Cocoi Heron

Ardea cocoi Linnaeus, 1766

Cocoi Heron, Ardea cocoi, is a heron of South America, widespread across the continent and breeding there. It was first described by Linnaeus in 1766. The bird is noted for its pale grey plumage and darker grey crest, with a long-legged wading form typical of the family Ardeidae. It is the largest South American heron species, and the sexes look alike. In flight it is described as slow, steady and graceful. Its voice is a deep croak. It occurs in wetlands and other waterside habitats away from dense forest.

Order

Pelecaniformes

Family

Ardeidae — Herons, Bitterns

Breeding range

South America: widespread