Grey Heron
Ardea cinerea
The adult Grey Heron is a tall wading bird of wetlands, rivers, lakes, estuaries, and flooded fields across much of Europe, Asia, and Africa. It hunts mostly by standing still or stalking slowly, then stabbing fish, amphibians, reptiles, small birds, and mammals with its dagger-like bill. Adults are powerful fliers with slow wingbeats and can defend feeding or nesting space with bill thrusts, wing blows, and harsh calls. One notable fact is that it often nests communally in tree-top heronries, returning to traditional sites year after year.
- Type
- Water
- Conservation status
- LC
Growth chain
- ?
- Grey Heron Juvenile
- Grey Heron