DISTRIBUTION:

The Cocoi Heron (Ardea cocoi) is natural to Central America and South America. To the north its distribution extends to the Darien in Panama, and occasionally is seen in the Canal Zone. Except for the Andean high elevations, this egret inhabits most of South America, including the island of Trinidad. Some youngsters reach the Falkland Islands.

ELEVATION:

Normally this egret is found from sea level to 1200 meters of elevation, although in some places it is documented up to 3000 meters.

DISPLACEMENTS:

This egret is sedentary. The youngsters displace to far away places.

HABITAT:

Found fishing at the water edge by the rivers and estuaries of fresh and brackish water.

BEHAVIOR:

Usually it is seen by itself and in pairs during the breeding season.

REPRODUCTION:

The breeding season starts according to location. Nesting is done in colonies and solitary. During early spring they start building the nest, normally on trees and bushes. The usual clutch is three light blue with white spots eggs. Incubation takes from 24 to 26 days.

FOOD:

The basic diet consists of fish, frogs and aquatic insects. Fishes by standing on the water edge. It is active all day and all night.

DESCRIPTION:

The sexes have similar plumage, the basic colors are: white, gray and black. This is the largest heron in South America, in length it reaches from 1.00 to 1.30 meters.

OTHER NAMES:

The Cocoi Heron in Spanish is called “Garza Mora”, “Garza Cuca” y “Garza Morena”.