Cochleariidae

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Cochleariidae (boat-billed heron; class Aves, order Ciconiiformes) A monotypic family (Cochlearius cochlearius), sometimes placed with Ardeidae, comprising a medium-sized heron that has a grey back and a black, long-feathered crown. Its bill is very broad, flat, and slightly hooked, and its middle toe is pectinate. It inhabits marshes, feeds on fish, crabs, and amphibians, and nests in trees. It is found in Central and S. America.