Boat-billed Heron
Inge Curtis

Goofy looks make the Boat-billed Heron a character to remember.

A lucky sighting for Inge in Costa Rica as this is a shy, nocturnal bird and a permanent resident of tropical lowland swamps and mangroves. It captures shrimp and small fish by suddenly lunging with its broad bill open. Fishing in the dark is a rare art for a bird. Bill has large eyes to spot prey in the gloom and perhaps a bill sensitive to touch.

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