Best known of the typical herons are the very large, long-legged and long-necked, plain-hued, crested members of the genus Ardea The species of the Ardeidae (heron) family are mainly tropical birds, but they have spread out all over the world and occupy all but extremely high latitudes and elevation. Most members of this almost worldwide group breed colonially in trees, building large stick nests. Northern species such as Great Blue, Grey and Purple Herons may migrate south in winter, although the first two do so only from areas where the waters freeze. These are powerful birds with large spear-like bills, long necks and long legs, which hunt by waiting motionless or stalking their prey in shallow water before seizing it with a sudden lunge. They have a slow steady flight, with the neck retracted as is characteristic of herons and bitterns; this distinguishes them from storks, cranes, and spoonbills, which extend their necks
Physical charateristics
Plumage grey to bluish grey with whitish head and neck. Black crown and nape, black chest and white belly. Black primaries and secondaries with a yellowish and pointed bill.
Copyright remark: Most sounds derived from xeno-canto
wingspan min.:
0
cm
wingspan max.:
0
cm
size min.:
120
cm
size max.:
130
cm
incubation min.:
24
days
incubation max.:
26
days
fledging min.:
0
days
fledging max.:
26
days
broods:
1
eggs min.:
2
eggs max.:
4
Range
South America : widespread
Habitat
These large herons are found in lakes, rivers, estuaries, mangroves and wetlands.
Reproduction
It is solitary and shy, except during mating season, when it usually breeds in colonies. Nests in trees, making a nest with dry sticks. Cluths have 2 to 4 sky blue eggs
Feeding habits
feeds on fish, crab, mollusks, small frogs and reptiles.
Video Cocoi Heron
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4wYT_WYgJgs
copyright: K. Blomerley
Conservation
This species has an extremely large range, and hence does not approach the thresholds for Vulnerable under the range size criterion (Extent of Occurrence <20,000 km2 combined with a declining or fluctuating range size, habitat extent/quality, or population size and a small number of locations or severe fragmentation). The population trend appears to be increasing, and hence the species does not approach the thresholds for Vulnerable under the population trend criterion (>30% decline over ten years or three generations). The population size is very large, and hence does not approach the thresholds for Vulnerable under the population size criterion (<10,000 mature individuals with a continuing decline estimated to be >10% in ten years or three generations, or with a specified population structure). For these reasons the species is evaluated as Least Concern. This bird is a solitary, quiet and cautious species, stalks in shallow water or remains still, watching patiently for prey.
Migration
Generally sedentary, though birds in extreme South of range probably migrate North during winter. Also some post-breeding dispersal. Occasionally reaches Strait of Magellan and Lake Kami in far South. Non-breeding visitor to Trinidad mainly Jan-Jun. Accidental to Falklands and Gough Island. Usually sedentary bird in Suriname, some post breeding dispersal.
