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Goliath heron, Kruger National Park, South Africa
One humongous heron
Ever since their cousin the Bennu heron went extinct, goliath herons stand tall as the largest wading birds in the world – when they're not hunkered down in the morning mists. Necks outstretched, these wetland waders can be up to 1.5 metres tall, with a wingspan well over 2 metres. Goliaths are native to sub-Saharan Africa, where they share ample wilderness – like the 19,500 protected square kilometres here at Kruger National Park – with zebras, elephants, rhinos and other iconic species.
One humongous heron
Ever since their cousin the Bennu heron went extinct, goliath herons stand tall as the largest wading birds in the world – when they're not hunkered down in the morning mists. Necks outstretched, these wetland waders can be up to 1.5 metres tall, with a wingspan well over 2 metres. Goliaths are native to sub-Saharan Africa, where they share ample wilderness – like the 19,500 protected square kilometres here at Kruger National Park – with zebras, elephants, rhinos and other iconic species.
Wading birds are found the world over, but none are bigger than the goliath heron.
© Johan Swanepoel / Alamy Stock Photo 2026-09-11 08:45:51 :