boatbill

[ boht-bil ]

noun

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

boatbill

/ 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

Word History and Origins

Origin of boatbill¹

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

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

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

If we listen to Reinhurdt, we must place it, not alongside of the boatbill, but alongside of the African genus Scopus.

From Project Gutenberg

The boatbill, says he, is merely a heron provided with a singular bill, which has but little analogy with that of the bal�niceps, and not a true resemblance.

From Project Gutenberg