Their unique bill is perfect for scooping up crustaceans, fish, amphibians, and insects. Image: Shutterstock

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When you think of a heron, chances are you imagine an elegant, long-legged bird posing majestically on the edge of a body of water. If so, it’s time to set the record straight—not all herons are swan-necked ballerinas. In fact, the boat-billed heron ( Cochlearius cochlearius ) looks like someone stuck the head of a large bird onto the body of a small one, and you can forget about a graceful neck.

Roger Williams Park Zoo & Carousel Village in Rhode Island is home to a boat-billed heron.…