Grey Heron
Ardea cinerea
Visual Identification
Appearance
The Grey Heron is a tall, unmistakable wading bird with a long S-shaped neck and predominantly grey plumage, a white head and neck with a black eyebrow stripe, and a long, dagger-like yellow bill. Its body is adorned with elongated black feathers on the crown and breast.
Females appear similar to males but average smaller. Adults and juveniles share similar colouration, though young birds may appear slightly duller. During the breeding season, adults develop longer plumes on their heads and breasts.
Size
Length
90cm to 98cm
Wingspan
175cm to 195cm
Weight
1.02kg to 2.073kg
Colours
Males and females have similar plumage
Primary Colour
Grey White
Secondary Colour
Black
Beak Colour
Yellow Orange
Leg Colour
Yellow Green
Habitat and Distribution
Habitats
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
Distribution
Grey Herons inhabit a wide range of wetland habitats, including rivers, lakes, estuaries, and coastal areas. They are found across much of Europe, Asia, and parts of Africa.
In the UK, they are widespread residents, while in northern regions, some populations migrate south for winter. They have adapted well to urban environments and are often seen in city parks with suitable water bodies.
Elevation Range
Up to 4,000 meters
Climate zones
Temperate, Subtropical, Tropical
Distribution Map
This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Grey Heron. The coloured areas show countries where these birds have been seen.
A few things to keep in mind:
- Birds might not be everywhere in the coloured areas, for example, they may be present around the coast of that country
- Where birds live can change with seasons and available food
- This map is quite simple - it doesn't show exact locations
We're working on making our maps even better! Soon, we hope to show you:
- More detailed maps for bigger countries, including state and region
- How birds move around during different seasons
Distribution by Region
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
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Share your thoughtsBird Attributes Explained
Our bird attributes system rates various aspects of a bird's capabilities on a scale of 0-100, based on data from field observations, scientific studies, and expert knowledge.
Attribute Categories:
- Agility: Manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
- Strength: Physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
- Adaptability: Ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
- Aggressiveness: Territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
- Endurance: Stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
Understanding the Ratings:
- 0-20: Very Low
- 21-40: Low
- 41-60: Average
- 61-80: High
- 81-100: Very High
Remember, these attributes are relative to other bird species and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Hover over the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Agility
Reflects the bird's manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
The Grey Heron demonstrates considerable agility in its precise hunting technique, able to strike at prey with remarkable speed and accuracy. Its ability to navigate through various wetland environments and perform elaborate courtship displays also indicates good agility for its size.
Strength
Indicates the bird's physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
With its large size and ability to carry substantial prey items, the Grey Heron possesses significant strength. Its powerful bill allows it to spear or grab prey effectively, and it can fly with slow but steady wing beats despite its sizeable body.
Adaptability
Represents the bird's ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
Grey Herons show high adaptability, thriving in diverse wetland habitats from coastal areas to urban parks. Their ability to hunt a variety of prey, including fish, amphibians, and small mammals, further demonstrates their adaptable nature.
Aggressiveness
Measures the bird's territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
While not overtly aggressive towards humans, Grey Herons can be territorial during breeding season and will defend their nests. Their hunting behaviour, involving patient stalking followed by swift, decisive strikes, also indicates a moderate level of predatory aggression.
Endurance
Reflects the bird's stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
Grey Herons exhibit impressive endurance, standing motionless for hours while hunting and undertaking long flights during migration. Their ability to thrive in various climates and their relatively long lifespan of 15-20 years also suggest good endurance.
Diet
Grey Herons are opportunistic predators that primarily feed on fish, amphibians, and small mammals. They use their sharp bills to spear or grab prey, often swallowing it whole.
These adaptable birds also consume insects, crustaceans, and occasionally small birds, showcasing their versatile feeding habits.
Behaviour
Grey Herons are often seen standing motionless in shallow water, patiently waiting to strike at prey with their sharp bills. They are generally solitary foragers but may gather in loose colonies for breeding.
These birds fly with slow wing beats, their necks folded in an S-shape and legs trailing behind. They may soar at great heights and can resemble a large bird of prey.
Vocalisation
The Grey Heron's most common call is a harsh, guttural 'frarnk' or 'kraak', often heard in flight or when disturbed. During courtship and at breeding colonies, they produce a variety of croaks, grunts, and squawks. Their calls can be loud and carry long distances, especially in quiet wetland environments.
Nesting & Breeding
Grey Herons typically breed in colonies called heronries, often located in tall trees near water. Pair formation begins in late winter, with elaborate courtship displays involving neck stretching and bill clapping.
Nests are large platforms of sticks built or repaired by both partners. Females lay 3-5 pale blue eggs, which both parents incubate for about 25-26 days.
Chicks fledge after 7-8 weeks but may return to the nest for several more weeks to be fed. Parents share the responsibilities of feeding and protecting the young.
Conservation and Status
Global Conservation Status
While the Grey Heron is currently listed as Least Concern, it faces threats from habitat loss and water pollution. Conservation efforts focus on protecting wetland habitats and maintaining water quality in their foraging areas. In some regions, collision with power lines poses a risk to these birds.
Population Data
Global Population Estimate
500,000 - 2,500,000 mature individuals [2]
Global Population Trend
Trend data may be uncertain or fluctuating
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for Grey Herons near water bodies, including lakes, rivers, and coastal areas.
- Observe their patient hunting technique, standing still for long periods.
- Listen for their harsh, croaking call, especially near nesting sites.
- In the UK, visit wetland reserves like the London Wetland Centre or RSPB Minsmere for good viewing opportunities.
Additional Information
Quick Facts
Predators
Adult Grey Herons have few natural predators, but eggs and chicks are vulnerable to corvids, birds of prey, and mammals like foxes and raccoons.
Did You Know?
- Grey Herons can stand motionless for hours while hunting, demonstrating remarkable patience.
- They have special neck vertebrae that allow them to strike at prey with incredible speed and precision.
- In medieval times, hunting Grey Herons with falcons was a popular sport among European nobility.
Similar Birds
References
- 1
website: BirdLife International. 2019. Ardea cinerea. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2019: e.T22696993A154525233.
View source - 2
report, 2015: Wetlands International
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