EPOW - Ecology Picture of the Week

Goliath Heron (Ardea goliath)
Namibia, Africa

Explanation:   Behold the giant!  This is the world's largest heron, the Goliath Heron of southern Africa.  Standing at 1.5 meters (5 feet) tall, this is an uncommon resident of rivers, lakes, estuaries, mangroves, and wetlands.  

Why be so huge?  There may be two advantages:  to escape some predation and to to escape some competition for food.  Few if any large birds of prey would dare attempt to take a Goliath Heron for lunch, although Nile crocodiles and other local land predators may not hesitate should the opportunity arise.  But Goliath Herons often feed in deeper water than most other herons.  Goliath Herons feed on fish, crabs, small reptiles and mammals, and carrion.

They are usually solitary and shy, and often stand in water for long periods waiting to ambush prey.  

Goliath herons have been honored on stamps in many African countries.