Characterization: This bird measures 52cm. It is grayish, it has a violet neck, and a darkish head, beak, tarsus, and fingers. While immature, it is white.

Distribution: From southern US and Central America to Peru, Colombia, Brazil on the coast all the way to Rio Grande do Sul, the "Pantanal" in Mato Grosso, the Middle Solimões river and in Uruguay.

Habitat: Coastal swamps, rivers and lakes in ebb areas.

Habits: This bird lives alone or in groups of 2 to 3 individuals.

Diet: It feeds on fish and small invertebrates.

Breeding: It builds its nest using sticks, making platforms on swamps. It lays 2 to 5 blue eggs.

In the UFRA area: This species is considered rare at the studied farms, as it was reported only twice. Its spatial distribution was restricted to wetlands with herbaceous plants and in fields in spontaneous regeneration .