Goliath Heron

Description:

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). The closest extant relatives of the Goliath are considered to be the Great-billed and the White-bellied Herons of Southern Asia. Due to their large size, this species trio is sometimes referred to as the "giant herons".

Habitat:

See Habitat picture #3. Waterhole with birdhide. (freshwater)

Notes:

This species is not migratory but may make local dispersive or nomadic movements in response to seasonal habitat changes. Breeding usually coincides with the start of the rains although in some areas the species breed in any month of the year. The species inhabits both coastal and inland. Its diet consists predominantly of large fish 15-50 cm long although it will also take frogs, lizards, snakes, rodents, crabs, prawns and floating carrion.