Grey Heron
Ardea cinerea
Also known as: Common Heron
The Grey Heron is a tall, long-legged predatory bird common across Europe and Asia, often seen standing motionless at the edge of water bodies. They are ambush hunters with lightning-fast reflexes, spearing fish, frogs, and even small mammals with their dagger-like bills. Despite their size, they nest in tall trees in colonies called heronries.
Grey Heron Quick Facts
Frequently Asked Questions About the Grey Heron
The Grey Heron is partially migratory and is associated with Wetlands, rivers, estuaries in Europe, Asia, Africa.
The Grey Heron can be found in Europe, Asia, Africa and is most often associated with Wetlands, rivers, estuaries.
The Grey Heron feeds on Fish, amphibians, crustaceans and is considered a carnivore.
The Grey Heron is currently listed as Least Concern, with a stable population trend. Main threats include Water pollution, Severe winters.
The Grey Heron is usually colonial breeders/solitary hunters.
The Grey Heron is typically diurnal/crepuscular.
The main threats facing the Grey Heron include Water pollution and Severe winters.
The Grey Heron population trend is currently stable.
Well-known places to look for the Grey Heron include London Parks (UK) and Camargue (France).
Natural predators of the Grey Heron include Foxes (at nests) and Crows (on eggs).
A classic silhouette of the British lakeside.
The Grey Heron is part of the Ardeidae family and a Pelecaniformes order.
The Grey Heron weighs about 1.5 kg, stands around 95 cm tall, reaches about 100 cm in length, and has a wingspan of about 185 cm.
The Grey Heron can reach speeds of around 45 km/h.
