The largest heron in South America and an imposing presence on every stretch of open water in Iberá. Overall bluish-gray plumage, with a white neck adorned with a central black line, a white forehead and a black crown with ornamental plumes that give it a stately appearance. Its legs are long and grayish. In breeding plumage it develops grayish filamentous plumes on the breast. It measures 95 to 127 cm in height with a wingspan of up to 2 meters.
Behaviour
Solitary and territorial in its fishing areas. It hunts with extreme patience: it stays motionless for minutes on the bank or in shallow water, neck drawn in, waiting for a fish to come close before striking with astonishing speed. Diet: fish, frogs, eels, water snakes and even small rodents and reptiles.
How and when to see it
Year round. Found everywhere along the edges of lagoons, channels and streams. It is frequently seen flying low over the water with its characteristic silhouette of an S-folded neck and trailing legs.
Where to see it in the Iberá
The gateways of the Great Iberá Park where cocoi heron has confirmed presence:
Tours to see it
Verified providers operating at the gateways where cocoi heron lives. You contact them directly on WhatsApp from the app.
- Esteros Ñe’é
Experiences with local storytelling and a cultural take on the marshes.★ 5.0 - Gaucho Argentino
Horseback journeys across a network of refuges in Iberá. Multi-day rides with overnight…★ 5.0 - Jurassic Plant - Night Tour
The only carnivorous-plant garden in Argentina and a pioneer in Latin America. A guided…★ 5.0 - Irupé Excursiones
Guided hiking. Guided visit to museums, historic sites, chapels and trails of the town…★ 5.0
Species profile
- Common nameCocoi Heron
- Scientific nameArdea cocoi
- GroupBird
- StatusNative
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