Cocoi Heron

The Cocoi Heron is Ecuador’s largest heron, a pale gray wader with a striking black crest and white neck, commonly seen along rivers, lakes, and wetlands from the coast to the Amazon basin. Globally listed as Least Concern, it remains widespread and fairly common in Ecuador, with records from provinces including Napo, Pastaza, Esmeraldas, and Guayas. This solitary hunter feeds on fish and aquatic prey, often standing motionless in shallow water before striking with precision. Despite its broad range, it depends on intact freshwater habitats, making it vulnerable to pollution and wetland conversion.