Bird Guide

Boat-billed Heron vs Malayan Night Heron

Boat-billed Heron (Cochlearius cochlearius)

Boat-billed Heron

Cochlearius cochlearius

Large643 gWetland

The boat-billed heron grows to about 54 cm (21 in) long. Adults are pale grey to white in color, with chestnut-colored abdomens and black flanks. The massive, broad, scoop-like bill, which gives rise to this species' name, is mainly black. This bird is also adorned with a crest which is thought to be used in mate attraction as it is larger in males. The sexes are similar in appearance, the main differences being that females are slightly smaller, grayer in appearance, and have shorter crests than males.

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Photo: Noel Reynolds · CC BY 2.0
Malayan Night Heron (Gorsachius melanolophus)

Malayan Night Heron

Gorsachius melanolophus

Large412 gWetland

The Malayan night heron is about 48 cm (19 in) long. The wingspan is about 86 cm (34 in). It is stocky, with a short beak. Its neck and breast are rufous. There are streaks going down the centre of the neck to the breast. The upperparts are chestnut and vermiculated. The flight feathers are blackish. The crown is black, the chin is white, and the eyes are yellow. The beak is black and the legs are greenish. The juvenile is greyish to rufous and is spotted and vermiculated. Males have been reported to have deeper blue lores and a longer crest compared to females during the breeding season.

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Photo: 葉子 · CC0

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Photos and recordings are credited to their authors under the licence shown. Full profiles: Boat-billed Heron and Malayan Night Heron.