If you want to know everything about the largest heron in South America, this is where you will find all your answers. The cocoi heron (Ardea cocoi) is a type of long-legged heron found throughout Central and South America. They are about 37.5-51 in (95-130 cm) long and weigh about 2.5-7 lb (1.14-3.2 kg). They can be found in the countries of Argentina, Venezuela, Panama, Brazil, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and more. They have a widespread habitat and mostly prefer wetlands and swamps as their foraging ground. They are carnivorous and eat a variety of fishes and frogs. They also eat small mammals, amphibians, and even carcasses sometimes. The cocoi heron usually has a pale grey plumage and a dark grey back. They have a white neck, thighs, and wing coverts. Their neck is long and s-shaped. They have a black cap on their head that extends to the back of their necks. They have long legs that are usually black, brownish-grey, and dark green in color.If you want to read more amazing animal facts, please check out lava heron and black-headed heron.
Fun Cocoi Heron Facts For Kids
What do they prey on? Fish, small mammals, frogs
What do they eat? Carnivore
Average litter size? 1-4 eggs
How much do they weigh? 2.5-7 lb (1.14-3.2 kg)
How long are they? 37.5-51 in (95-130 cm)
How tall are they? N/A
What do they look like? Pale grey, dark grey, and black
Skin Type Feathers
What were their main threats? Humans, Caracara
What is their conservation status? Least Concern
Where you’ll find them? Rivers, Swamps, Wetlands
Locations South America
Kingdom Animalia
Genus Ardea
Class Aves
Family Ardeidae
Cocoi Heron Interesting FactsWhat type of animal is a cocoi heron?The cocoi heron (Ardea cocoi), is a type of long-legged heron found in Central and South America.What class of animal does a cocoi heron belong to?The cocoi heron (Ardea cocoi) belongs to the Aves class of the Animalia kingdom. It belongs to the family Ardeidae.How many cocoi herons are there in the world?The exact number of this heron species is unknown. However, they are classified as a Least Concern species in the IUCN Red List. This means that they have a safe population and their population trend is also increasing. They are not going to face extinction any time soon.Where does a cocoi heron live?The cocoi heron can be found throughout the wetlands of South America. They can be found in the countries of Argentina, Venezuela, Panama, Brazil, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and many more. They have a very widespread range.What is a cocoi heron’s habitat?The cocoi heron prefers wetland habitats throughout their ranges. They can be seen in rivers, lake shores, swamps, and estuaries as well. They do not like pastures as much mostly because they are rife with insects, which these birds prefer less than fishes and mammals. It also avoids the arid coasts and dense forests.Who do cocoi herons live with?Herons are usually known to live and feed alone. Even while foraging, cocoi herons are solitary and defensive of their feeding territory. The pairs come together during the time of breeding and nesting. They may also nest in colonies of single or mixed species.How long does a cocoi heron live?The average lifespan or generation length of the cocoi heron (Ardea cocoi) is about 10.5 years. The maximum recorded longevity of the species is about 24.4 years.How do they reproduce?The cocoi heron’s nesting season varies regionally. It begins in July in Suriname, August-November in Argentina and Brazil, October in Uruguay, and in Buenos Aires it is in November. They usually nest in trees. Cocoi heron nests are deep and large and constructed with branches, twigs, and dry thistles. But their nest can also be found in bushes and reeds. They can nest solitarily, in colonies, or even in mixed colonies with more heron species. Not much is known about the courtship behavior of these birds, it may be similar to that of the great blue heron. The incubation period for the eggs is about 20-23 days and the females lay about one to four pale blue eggs per clutch. The eggs also have some whitish and pale speckles. The young have a gray underbelly streaked with buff.What is their conservation status? The cocoi heron (Ardea Cocoi) is listed as a Least Concern species in the IUCN Red List.Cocoi Heron Fun FactsWhat do cocoi herons look like?The cocoi heron is the largest South American heron. Their size varies regionally and the southern variants are larger than the northern ones. They are similar in size to their North American counterpart, the great blue heron. But the latter is a little bigger. Cocoi herons have grey coloration on their backs and upper wings. They have an s-shaped, white neck. Their thighs are also white. They have black streaks on their neck and black patches on their breasts. They have a black cap on the crown of their heads. This black cap extends to the back of their head and neck as well. They have dull yellow bills, but some individuals have been reported as having bright yellow bills during the breeding season. They have big wings and are very graceful fliers. Their legs are long and are usually black or greyish in color. Adult males and females look similar.How cute are they?Cocoi herons are very large birds that cannot be called conventionally cute. They can even seem imposing or scary. But baby cocoi herons are really cute.How do they communicate?Not much is known about the communication of the species. But they have a loud and croaking call. They use this vocalization as a means of communication between themselves.How big is a cocoi heron?The cocoi heron is the largest South American heron species. The adult birds are about 37.5-51 in (95-130 cm) long, but their size may vary regionally. The southern individuals are usually the largest. The sexes are alike in coloration and size. The cocoi herons have a wing length of 16.5-18 in (42.1-45.5 cm) and a tail length of about 6.5-7 in (12.8-14.8 cm). These herons are similar in size to their North American equivalent, the great blue heron, whose average length is about 36-54 in (91-137 cm). On average, the cocoi heron is larger than the tricolored heron whose average length is about 22-30 in (56-76 cm).How fast can a cocoi heron fly?The exact speed of flight of this species is unknown. However, herons are usually great fliers and we can assume that adult cocoi herons, with their large wings, are also excellent in the aviation department.How much does a cocoi heron weigh?The average weight of adult cocoi herons is about 2.5-7 lb (1.14-3.2 kg).What are the male and female names of the species?There are no specific names for males and females of the species. They are simply called male cocoi herons and female cocoi herons.What would you call a baby cocoi heron?There is no specific name for the young of the species. They are simply called baby cocoi herons.What do they eat?The cocoi heron is a carnivorous bird that feeds on a variety of big fish. These fishes may include the wolf fish, the whitemouth croaker, the streaked prochilod, and more. They also consume smaller mammals, larvae of water insects, and amphibians. This bird has also been known to forage on carrion. The cocoi heron catches its prey by thrusting its head into the water and stabbing the fish with its bill. Their body remains still while feeding but their necks and heads move rapidly.Are they dangerous?Cocoi herons, much like other heron species, are shy of humans. They are not particularly dangerous to us. But if a cocoi heron is cornered or threatened, it might become aggressive. When they are stressed, they might attack humans and their strong bills can seriously injure us. It is better not to tease or aggravate them.Would they make a good pet?Herons are birds that love living in the wild. They are also very large and hard to keep. Keeping this in mind, you should not try and make a pet out of a cocoi heron. They should be able to roam freely in the wild.Did you know…Cocoi herons are known by many other names in South America. Some of these names are Garza Mora, Garza Cuca, Garza Real, Garza Gris, and Garza Morena. These birds might migrate during the dry seasons.Cocoi herons are closely related to the Grey heron and the great blue heron. They have similar skeletal morphology.Cocoi herons are the largest South American Heron. But the largest living heron in the world is the Goliath Heron of sub-Saharan Africa and South and Southwest Asia. They measure up to 47-60 in (120-152 cm).Do herons live in the rainforest? The cocoi heron mainly prefers wetlands and swamps over other habitats. They cannot be seen too deep into the rainforests but can be seen outside of them. These birds are not endemic.How many eggs do cocoi herons lay? Cocoi herons usually lay one to four eggs in each clutch. Their eggs are pale blue and have some whitish traces.Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly animal facts for everyone to discover! For more relatable facts, check out these Cambodian Tailorbird facts and Azure Winged Magpie facts pages.You can even occupy yourself at home by coloring in one of our free printable heron cartoon coloring pages.Main image by Peterwchen and second image by Nori Almeida.
What type of animal is a cocoi heron?
The cocoi heron (Ardea cocoi), is a type of long-legged heron found in Central and South America.
Fun Cocoi Heron Facts For Kids
What do they prey on? Fish, small mammals, frogs
What do they eat? Carnivore
Average litter size? 1-4 eggs
How much do they weigh? 2.5-7 lb (1.14-3.2 kg)
How long are they? 37.5-51 in (95-130 cm)
How tall are they? N/A
What do they look like? Pale grey, dark grey, and black
Skin Type Feathers
What were their main threats? Humans, Caracara
What is their conservation status? Least Concern
Where you’ll find them? Rivers, Swamps, Wetlands
Locations South America
Kingdom Animalia
Genus Ardea
Class Aves
Family Ardeidae
Fun Cocoi Heron Facts For Kids
What do they prey on? Fish, small mammals, frogs
What do they eat? Carnivore
Average litter size? 1-4 eggs
How much do they weigh? 2.5-7 lb (1.14-3.2 kg)
How long are they? 37.5-51 in (95-130 cm)
How tall are they? N/A
What do they look like? Pale grey, dark grey, and black
Skin Type Feathers
What were their main threats? Humans, Caracara
What is their conservation status? Least Concern
Where you’ll find them? Rivers, Swamps, Wetlands
Locations South America
Kingdom Animalia
Genus Ardea
Class Aves
Family Ardeidae
Fun Cocoi Heron Facts For Kids
What do they prey on? Fish, small mammals, frogs
What do they eat? Carnivore
Average litter size? 1-4 eggs
How much do they weigh? 2.5-7 lb (1.14-3.2 kg)
How long are they? 37.5-51 in (95-130 cm)
How tall are they? N/A
What do they look like? Pale grey, dark grey, and black
Skin Type Feathers
What were their main threats? Humans, Caracara
What is their conservation status? Least Concern
Where you’ll find them? Rivers, Swamps, Wetlands
Locations South America
Kingdom Animalia
Genus Ardea
Class Aves
Family Ardeidae
Fun Cocoi Heron Facts For Kids
What do they prey on? Fish, small mammals, frogs
What do they eat? Carnivore
Average litter size? 1-4 eggs
How much do they weigh? 2.5-7 lb (1.14-3.2 kg)
How long are they? 37.5-51 in (95-130 cm)
How tall are they? N/A
What do they look like? Pale grey, dark grey, and black
Skin Type Feathers
What were their main threats? Humans, Caracara
What is their conservation status? Least Concern
Where you’ll find them? Rivers, Swamps, Wetlands
Locations South America
Kingdom Animalia
Genus Ardea
Class Aves
Family Ardeidae
What do they prey on? Fish, small mammals, frogs
What do they eat? Carnivore
Average litter size? 1-4 eggs
How much do they weigh? 2.5-7 lb (1.14-3.2 kg)
How long are they? 37.5-51 in (95-130 cm)
How tall are they? N/A
What do they look like? Pale grey, dark grey, and black
Skin Type Feathers
What were their main threats? Humans, Caracara
What is their conservation status? Least Concern
Where you’ll find them? Rivers, Swamps, Wetlands
Locations South America
Kingdom Animalia
Genus Ardea
Class Aves
Family Ardeidae
What do they prey on? Fish, small mammals, frogs
What do they eat? Carnivore
Average litter size? 1-4 eggs
How much do they weigh? 2.5-7 lb (1.14-3.2 kg)
How long are they? 37.5-51 in (95-130 cm)
How tall are they? N/A
What do they look like? Pale grey, dark grey, and black
Skin Type Feathers
What were their main threats? Humans, Caracara
What is their conservation status? Least Concern
What do they prey on?
Fish, small mammals, frogs
What do they eat?
Carnivore
Average litter size?
1-4 eggs
How much do they weigh?
2.5-7 lb (1.14-3.2 kg)
How long are they?
37.5-51 in (95-130 cm)
How tall are they?
N/A
What do they look like?
Pale grey, dark grey, and black
Skin Type
Feathers
What were their main threats?
Humans, Caracara
What is their conservation status?
Least Concern
Where you’ll find them? Rivers, Swamps, Wetlands
Locations South America
Kingdom Animalia
Genus Ardea
Class Aves
Family Ardeidae
Where you’ll find them?
Rivers, Swamps, Wetlands
Locations
South America
Kingdom Animalia
Genus Ardea
Kingdom
Animalia
Genus
Ardea
Class Aves
Family Ardeidae
