Description
The largest heron in Brazil, with a wingspan of 1.80 m. Lives solitary outside the reproductive period, when it gathers in nests; however, even during this period, the majority remain isolated while traveling for food. Their flights, in addition to being solitary, are in a straight line, with slow, rhythmic wing beats, which are very characteristic. His voice is a very strong “rrab (rrab rrab)”, low and deep. Measures 95-127 cm; weight 1900–2100 g; wingspan of 1.80 m. Black hood, extending to below the eyes and continuing with long crested plumes, also black. Hindparts and wing coverts gray; upper surface of black remiges; with the black shoulder region visible at rest; neck white with black vertical stripes anteriorly; underparts white, except the belly which is black; white thighs. Eyes generally yellow, with blue flowers; dull yellow bill, slightly paler below and with a blackish base; black legs and feet. The breeding plumage is very similar to that of the rest of the year, distinguished by the small tuft of white feathers at the base of the neck, the greater contrast of the white of the neck with the grayish back and the dark sides of the belly. The black stripe on the lower part of the neck stands out more during this period, as well as the black on the top of the head. Around the eyes the bluish color increases and the beak becomes more yellow. When they leave the nest, juvenile birds have the same general coloring as adults, although with less contrast and without the black stripe on the neck or the black sides of the belly.
