Boat-billed herons are characterized by their thick, and apparently boat-shaped beaks. But that’s not the only thing that makes them unusual. They are also strictly nocturnal, unlike most other herons and wading birds. I photographed this one on a night boating excursion in the northern Amazon basin of Peru. Nikon D500 with Nikkor 500mm PF lens, ISO 800, f/7.1 at 1/200th of a second, Godox V860iii flash.
He looks shorter but fatter than what I see around my place in the daytime. The beak is also shorter and fatter. I wonder why. He must be hunting different prey. Very interesting.
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What an unusual heron, Sean. Thanks for sharing this odd-looking duck!
He looks shorter but fatter than what I see around my place in the daytime. The beak is also shorter and fatter. I wonder why. He must be hunting different prey. Very interesting.
Yes, and you won’t see him out during the day. Strictly nocturnal.
I like his blue cap.