Cocoi Heron

Ardea cocoi

The Cocoi Heron (Ardea cocoi) is a large wading bird found in South America. It has a distinctive long neck, a white head with a black cap, and a predominantly gray body. This species is commonly found in wetland habitats such as marshes, swamps, and riverbanks where it forages for fish, amphibians, and insects. The Cocoi Heron is known for its solitary nature and impressive hunting skills, often standing still for long periods before striking at its prey with precision. Despite facing threats from habitat loss and human disturbance, the Cocoi Heron is currently not considered to be at risk, with a stable population across its range.

Habitat: Wetlands, marshes, riverbanks