5
The Boat-Bill.
(Canchroma cochlearia.)
This bird, which is also known as the Boat-billed Heron, and by the natives of Brazil as the Savaku, inhabits the thick woods by the Brazilian rivers, where it may often be seen in the low bushes, or perching on the high boughs above the stream. It feeds upon various aquatic creatures, especially worms, and the peculiar form of the wide boat­like beak suggests that it is probably used for grovelling in the mud. The deep groove on either side of the beak emphasizes its strong resemblance to an upturned boat. Like the more typical Heron, the Boat-bill carries a group of pendent plumes at the back of its head.