boatbill

American  

[boht-bil] / ˈboʊtˌbɪl /

noun

1. a wading bird, Cochlearius cochlearius, of tropical America, related to the herons, having a broad bill resembling an inverted boat.

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boatbill British  

/ ˈbəʊtˌbɪl /

noun

1. a nocturnal tropical American wading bird, Cochlearius cochlearius , similar to the night herons but with a broad flattened bill: family Ardeidae , order Ciconiiformes

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Etymology

Origin of boatbill

First recorded in 1770–80; boat + bill ²

Example Sentences

The boatbill, of which only one species is known, seems to be merely a night-heron with an exaggerated bill,—so much widened as to suggest its English name,—but has always been allowed generic rank.

From Project Gutenberg

Parker, in his notes upon the osteology of the bal�niceps, this bird recalls the boatbill, the heron, and the adjutant.

From Project Gutenberg

While in quest of these, the blue heron, the large and small brown heron, the boatbill and muscovy duck now and then rise up before you.

From Project Gutenberg

Verreaux believes that its nearest relative is the adjutant, whose ways it has, and that it represents in this group what the boatbill represents in the heron genus.

From Project Gutenberg

Bonaparte regards it as intermediate between the pelican and the boatbill.

From Project Gutenberg