Goliath Heron- Ardea gigas
Range: Sub -Saharan Africa and Asia
Size: ♂: 120-152cm (40-60in) ♀: 120-152cm (40-60 in) Weight :♂: 4-5 kg (8.8-11 lbs) ♀ : 4-5 kg (8.8-11 lbs) Wing: 230cm (91 in) Habitat: mangrove swamps Incubation: 24-30 days Eggs: 2-4 Fledge: 6-8 weeks Sexual maturity: n/a Nest: small platforms of sticks in low trees Social: solitary Breeding: monogamous Movement : sedentary Food: large fish like mullet and bream IUCN: least concern Subspecies: monotypic Longevity: captive: 22 yrs |
The largest of the herons, the Goliath heron stands about five feet tall. This monotypic species ranges from sub-Saharan Africa to Asia
The goliath heron is highly aquatic living near lakes and large rivers. It is a solitary hunter and specializes on large fish like mullet. A solitary bird the goliath heron is very territorial. Adult pairs are only observed during breeding season. The goliath heron hunts by standing still in the water and striking as prey swims by. Due to its size this species will hunt in deeper water away from the shore. Prey is speared with its dagger-like bill and often pounded on the ground or rocks. |
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