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Ardea goliath
"This is the world's largest heron. The height is 120–152 cm (47–60 in), the wingspan is 185–230 cm (73–91 in) and the weight is 4–5 kg (8.8–11 lbs). In flight it has a slow and rather ponderous look and, unlike some other herons, its legs are not held horizontally. Male and female look similar, with an overall covering of slate gray and chestnut feathers. The head and its bushy crest, face, back and sides of the neck are chestnut. The chin, throat, foreneck and upper breast are white, with black streaks across the foreneck and upper breast. The lower breast and belly are buff with black streaks. The upper mandible is black and the lores and orbital areas are yellow with a greenish tinge. The eyes are yellow and legs and feet are black. Juveniles look similar to the adults, but are paler." - Wikipedia
San Diego Zoo Safari Park. "It is found in sub-Saharan Africa, with smaller numbers in Southwest and South Asia." - Wikipedia
"Goliath Herons feed on fish, frogs, small mammals and insects. A diurnal and often rather inactive feeder, this heron hunts by standing in the shallows, or on floating vegetation, intently watching the water at its feet. As prey appears, the heron rapidly spears it with open mandibles." - Wikipedia
Spotted on Apr 3, 2012
Submitted on Apr 11, 2012
6 Comments
Amazing
Thank you both.
Would love to see the size of its chicks! Beautiful bird and series of photos.
Beautiful series Cindy!
Thank you Mary. I was amazed to see the size of this beauty! Awesome that it's nesting too!
wonderful spot, series of photos and information. And to think I thought our Great Blues were large!