Goliath heron by Kordouane

Photography • Animals • posted on Nov 07, 2017

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Description

This is the world's largest heron. The height is 120–152 cm (47–60 in), the wingspan is 185–230 cm (73–90.5 in) and the weight is 4–5 kg (8.8–11.0 lb). Among standard measurements, the tarsus measures from 21.2 to 25.5 cm (8.3 to 10.0 in) and the wing chord averages around 60.7 cm (23.9 in) in length. The culmen measures from 18 to 20 cm (7.1 to 7.9 in), while the bill from the gape measures around 24 cm (9.4 in). 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.