Cocoi Heron
Ardea cocoi
Visual Identification
Appearance
The Cocoi Heron is a rather grand bird, standing up to 127 cm tall and reaching 195 cm in wingspan. Its body is predominantly light grey, contrasting with a white neck and black crown. The long, sharp yellow bill and black legs complete its striking appearance.
Both sexes look similar, with no significant seasonal plumage changes. Juveniles have a duller plumage, lacking the bold black markings of adults and showing a greyish bill.
Size
Length
95cm to 127cm
Wingspan
170cm to 195cm
Weight
1.9kg to 2.8kg
Colours
Males and females have similar plumage
Primary Colour
Grey White
Secondary Colour
Black
Beak Colour
Yellow
Leg Colour
Black
Habitat and Distribution
Habitats
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
Distribution
Cocoi Herons are widely distributed across South America, from Colombia and Venezuela to Argentina and Chile. They inhabit a variety of freshwater and coastal wetlands, including marshes, swamps, mangroves, and the edges of lakes and rivers.
While primarily resident in most of their range, some populations in the southern parts of South America may move northward during the austral winter.
Elevation Range
Up to 2,500 meters
Climate zones
Tropical, Subtropical
Distribution Map
This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Cocoi Heron. The coloured areas show countries where these birds have been seen.
A few things to keep in mind:
- Birds might not be everywhere in the coloured areas, for example, they may be present around the coast of that country
- Where birds live can change with seasons and available food
- This map is quite simple - it doesn't show exact locations
We're working on making our maps even better! Soon, we hope to show you:
- More detailed maps for bigger countries, including state and region
- How birds move around during different seasons
Distribution by Region
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
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Share your thoughtsBird Attributes Explained
Our bird attributes system rates various aspects of a bird's capabilities on a scale of 0-100, based on data from field observations, scientific studies, and expert knowledge.
Attribute Categories:
- Agility: Manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
- Strength: Physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
- Adaptability: Ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
- Aggressiveness: Territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
- Endurance: Stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
Understanding the Ratings:
- 0-20: Very Low
- 21-40: Low
- 41-60: Average
- 61-80: High
- 81-100: Very High
Remember, these attributes are relative to other bird species and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Hover over the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Agility
Reflects the bird's manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
The Cocoi Heron demonstrates considerable agility in its precise hunting technique, striking at prey with lightning speed. Its ability to navigate through various wetland habitats and perch in high tree nests also suggests good manoeuvrability.
Strength
Indicates the bird's physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
As one of the largest heron species in the Americas, standing up to 127 cm tall with a wingspan reaching 195 cm, the Cocoi Heron possesses significant strength. This is evident in its ability to carry large sticks for nest building and to handle sizeable prey such as fish and small mammals.
Adaptability
Represents the bird's ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
The Cocoi Heron shows high adaptability, thriving in diverse wetland habitats from coastal areas to freshwater systems up to 2500 metres in elevation. Its partial migratory behaviour and ability to adjust to seasonal changes further demonstrate its adaptability.
Aggressiveness
Measures the bird's territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
While not overtly aggressive, the Cocoi Heron displays a degree of assertiveness in its hunting behaviour and likely in defending its territory during breeding season. However, its tendency to forage solitarily suggests it's not excessively aggressive towards its own kind.
Endurance
Reflects the bird's stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
The Cocoi Heron exhibits remarkable endurance, particularly in its hunting strategy. Its ability to stand motionless for extended periods, sometimes over an hour, while hunting demonstrates exceptional stamina. Additionally, its potential for long-distance flights during partial migration indicates good endurance.
Diet
The Cocoi Heron's diet primarily consists of fish, up to 30 cm (12 in) in length, which it catches with its sharp bill. It also feeds on amphibians, small reptiles, and crustaceans. Small rodents, lizards, and young birds are also eaten.
These herons employ a patient hunting strategy. They stand still or slowly stalk through shallow water before stabbing quickly downwards with their bill, using a head-tilting technique to aid their view.
Behaviour
Cocoi Herons are often seen standing motionless in shallow water, patiently waiting to strike at fish with lightning speed. They are generally solitary foragers but may gather in small groups during breeding season.
These herons are known for their slow, deliberate walks and their ability to remain still for long periods while hunting.
Vocalisation
The Cocoi Heron's call is a harsh, guttural croaking sound, often described as a deep 'frahnk' or 'wok'. In flight, a series of “gawk uk, guk uk, guk uck uck” cries may be made.
During the breeding season, they become more vocal, producing a series of loud, resonant calls that can be heard echoing across their wetland habitats.
Nesting & Breeding
Cocoi herons' breeding season varies by region but generally occurs during the rainy season. They often nest in mixed-species colonies, sometimes alongside other heron species.
Nests are large platforms of sticks, usually placed high in trees near water. Females typically lay 2-4 eggs per clutch, which are pale blue with light speckling.
Both parents share incubation duties, which last about 24-28 days. Chicks fledge after approximately 7-8 weeks but may continue to be fed by parents for several more weeks.
Conservation and Status
Global Conservation Status
While the Cocoi Heron is currently listed as Least Concern by the IUCN, it faces threats from habitat loss due to wetland drainage and deforestation.
Conservation efforts focus on protecting and restoring wetland habitats throughout South America.
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for Cocoi Herons in open wetlands, marshes, and along riverbanks.
- Observe early morning or late afternoon when they are most active.
- Listen for their distinctive harsh croaking call, especially during breeding season.
- Watch for their patient hunting behaviour, standing motionless before striking at prey.
- They are frequently seen to feed in large groups numbering up to 200 herons without conflict.
Additional Information
Quick Facts
Predators
Did You Know?
- The Cocoi Heron is one of the largest heron species in the Americas.
- Its scientific name, Ardea cocoi, is derived from 'cocoi', a local name used in parts of South America.
- These herons can stand motionless for extended periods while hunting, sometimes for over an hour.
Similar Birds
References
- 1
website: BirdLife International. 2021. Ardea cocoi. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2021: e.T22697001A163802666.
View source - 3 4
report, 2019: Partners in Flight, Wetlands International
- 2
website, 2019: Partners in Flight
View source
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