From Opus

Photo by Graham Osborne

Ardea cocoi

[edit] Identification

1-1.3 metres. Grey upperparts, black underparts, white neck, black crown, long legs.

[edit] Distribution

Very widespread in lowlands of South America: breeds from eastern Panama, Colombia and Venezuela south to about 50° S in Chile and Argentina, rarely south to Straits of Magellan. Resident but southern birds may move north in winter.

Has also occurred as a vagrant on the Falkland Islands and Gough Island.

[edit] Taxonomy

Monotypic.

[edit] Habitat

Found around lakes, in swamps and along rivers, sometimes estuaries.

[edit] Behaviour

The diet includes fish, frogs and aquatic insects.

They nest in colonies and in solitary. The nest is built in trees and bushes. 3 light blue, white spotted eggs are laid and incubated for 24-26 days.

[edit] References

damisela.com

[edit] External Links