24 Extraordinarily Beautiful Birds You Might Not Have Heard About
Boat-billed Heron (Cochlearius cochlearius): Bizarre nocturnal heron of mangroves and freshwater marshes in tropical lowlands; spends the daytime roosting in trees, often in loose groups. Comes out at night to feed along the edge of lakes and rivers. Easily identified by huge 'boat bill' and big brown eyes. Adult has black crown, pinkish breast, and silvery gray back; immature pattern similar, but plumage duller and browner overall. Photo credit: Sybil Wentzell