Its larger size is diagnostic: it is the world's largest heron. In colour it most closely resembles the smaller Purple Heron, but Goliath Heron has an unstriped head and neck and dark legs.
Juvenile and immature less rufous than adult, with chest, belly and underwing coverts white, streaked with black.
Freshwater dams , lakes, large rivers and sometimes estuaries.
A loud, low-pitched 'kwaaark'.