Grey Heron
Ardea cinerea
Conservation Status
Least ConcernAves · Pelecaniformes · Ardeidae
About
The grey heron is a long-legged wading bird of the heron family, Ardeidae, native throughout temperate Europe and Asia, and also parts of Africa. It is resident in much of its range, but some populations from the more northern parts migrate southwards in autumn. A bird of wetland areas, it can be seen around lakes, rivers, ponds, marshes and on the sea coast. It feeds mostly on aquatic creatures which it catches after standing stationary beside or in the water, or stalking its prey through the shallows.
Fun Fact
Grey Herons have highly specialized neck vertebrae that create a powerful S-shaped spring used to launch their spearing strike in milliseconds.
Quick Facts
Habitat
Occurs in mountain tarns, lakes, reservoirs, rivers, marshes, ponds, ditches, flooded areas, coastal lagoons, estuaries, and the sea shore.
Diet
Prey items vary in size from 1 cm-long fish and invertebrates, weighing less than 1g, to 30 cm-long carps and 57cm eels.
Lifespan
5 years
Threats
- Habitat Change
- Human Disturbance