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.