BRIDGEPORT, Conn. – Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo is the new home for a pair of Boat-billed herons (Cochlearius cochlearius,)who recently joined other feathered friends in the Rainforest Building. The male and female herons, named in honor of Burt Reynolds and his longtime lady friend, Lonnie Anderson, arrived from the Buffalo Zoo on September 11th, and after a brief quarantine period (required for all new arrivals), took up residence in the New World’s Tropics habitat. Burt is approximately six years old; Lonnie is approximately three years old.
Boat-billed herons, commonly known as “boatbills,” are named for their oddly shaped bill that resembles the bow of a boat. Found in the wild from Mexico to Brazil, the herons typically live in seasonal lagoons and estuaries, and nest in mangrove swamps. Pale grey to white in color, with chestnut colored abdomens and black flanks, their bill is primarily black. The male heron has a slightly larger crest than the female. Boatbills commonly leave their nests after sundown to feed during the night. Interestingly, it has been observed that they do not feed when a light source is present, such as daylight, moonlight, or artificial light.
“Burt and Lonnie are beautiful new additions to the Rainforest Building, and contribute to the Zoo’s demonstration of the rich biodiversity in nature,” said Gregg Dancho, zoo director. “We continually look for new and unusual species to educate and delight our guests. The new Boatbill herons are striking birds, and have adapted well to the Tropics habitat.”
Boat-billed herons have shorter legs and squatter bodies than most herons. They also have large, dark eyes, which help in foraging for food.
About Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo
Spend the day a world away! Connecticut's only zoo, celebrating its 96thanniversary, features 300 animals representing primarily North and South American species. Visitors won't want to miss our Amur (Siberian) tigers and tiger cubs, Amur leopards, Brazilian ocelot, Red wolves, and Golden Lion tamarins. Other highlights include our new Natt Family Red Panda Habitat, South American rainforest with free-flight aviary, the prairie dog exhibit with "pop-up" viewing areas, the New England Farmyard with goats, pigs, and other barnyard critters, plus the hoofstock trail featuring bison, deer, and more. Guests can grab a bite at the Peacock Café, eat in the Picnic Grove, and enjoy a ride on our colorful carousel. For more information, visit beardsleyzoo.org.
Photo credit: Christie Fisher