The largest heron, with a massive, heavy bill. Rich chestnut brown head, neck and underparts, which recall the much smaller purple heron. Unstriped head and blackish legs and bill. In flight, the huge, broad wings beat slowly and deeply.
Juveniles duller and less rufous, with foreneck, chest, belly and underwing coverts white, streaked with black. Recently fledged birds have buff margins to back feathers.135 – 150 cm. 3 – 4.3 kg.
Locally common resident and nomad at lakes, dams, large rivers and estuaries, usually where there are extensive reed or papyrus beds.
Birds of Southern Africa (2020).
Range has expanded in the Western Cape in recent years. Breeds singly or in small colonies in trees, reed beds or on bare ground on islands, sometimes with other herons and egrets.
F*CK FISH 