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Order:   Pelecaniformes

Family:   Ardeidae

Species:   Ardea cocoi

IOC English name:  Cocoi Heron


The campus mascot, the heron is the largest heron in Brazil, measuring between 95 and 127 centimeters and with a wingspan of 1.80m. It is an unmistakable heron, be it for its size or for its characteristic coloring, with gray wings, white body and black mask characteristic of the species. It has a graceful flight and is commonly seen hunting in rivers and lakes with its feet in the water, while looking for its prey, which are pierced or grabbed with its long beak. A pair of Cocoi Herons can be easily seen atop the buildings of the Praia Vermelha Campus, spending long hours watching the movement of staff and students.