Koko-hallhaigur, Ardea cocoi

Koko-hallhaigur on suur ja elegantne lind, keda leidub kogu Lõuna-Ameerikas, eriti jõgede, järvede ja märgalade läheduses. Teda on lihtne ära tunda kontrastse musta pealae, pika valge kaela ja halli sulestiku järgi. Tiibade siruulatusega kuni 1,8 meetrit liugleb ta lennates üsna graatsiliselt, söögiks tarvitab aga kalu, kahepaikseid ning muid vee-elukaid. Nimi "Koko" tuleneb Tupi keelest, kus lindu traditsiooniliselt kutsuti "socóíks" – see arvatavasti tuleneb omakorda linnu häälest. Foto sai tehtud Ecuadori Amazonases, Cuyabeno looduskaitsealal.

The Cocoi Heron is a large and elegant wading bird found throughout South America, especially near rivers, lakes, and wetlands. It is easily identified by its contrasting black cap, long white neck, and gray plumage. With a wingspan of up to 1.8 meters, it glides gracefully in flight and hunts for fish, amphibians, and other aquatic prey. The name "Cocoi" is derived from the Tupi language, where it was traditionally called "socóí," a name believed to be derived from the bird’s call. The photo was taken in the Ecuadorian Amazon, in the Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve.