The cocoi heron is a species of long-legged wading bird in the heron family Ardeidae found across South America. It has predominantly pale grey plumage with a darker grey crest. A carnivore, it hunts fish and crustaceans in shallow water.
Region
South America
Typical Environment
Found widely from northern South America to the southern cone, including river floodplains, oxbow lakes, marshes, lagoons, estuaries, and mangroves. It frequents both freshwater and brackish habitats and also uses man-made wetlands such as reservoirs and rice paddies. Typically avoids dense forest interiors but occupies open shorelines and slow-moving water. Breeds near water, nesting in trees or tall shrubs, sometimes in mixed heronries.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2000 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The cocoi heron is one of South America’s largest herons and is often seen alone, stalking quietly along rivers and marshes. It can adapt to human-altered wetlands like rice fields and reservoirs. Its bold black cap and long crest plumes make it easy to tell from other large grey herons. By preying on fish and crustaceans, it helps regulate aquatic food webs.
At Lagoa da Tijuca, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
In the Pantanal, Brazil
Cocoi heron swallowing a catfish
Cocoi Heron hunting in Frei Leandro Lake, known as victoria amazonica lake, Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden, Brazil.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
slow deep wingbeats with neck retracted
Social Behavior
Usually forages alone or well-spaced, but roosts communally and may nest in small colonies, sometimes with other herons and cormorants. Pairs are seasonally monogamous and build stick nests above water or in nearby trees. Chicks are altricial and are fed regurgitated food by both parents.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Generally quiet away from breeding areas, giving harsh croaks and grating squawks in flight or when alarmed. At colonies it utters guttural grunts and rasping calls during displays.
