ExploreBirds

Grey Heron

Ardea cinerea

The Grey Heron is a tall bird with long legs and a sharp beak. It loves to stand still by the water, waiting for fish to swim by so it can catch a tasty meal!

Habitat: Wetlands

Appearance

The Grey Heron is a tall, slender bird with a grey back and wings, a white head and neck, and distinctive black stripes extending from its eyes. It has long, yellowish legs and a sharp, yellow bill. Its S-shaped neck often gives it a unique hunched posture.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderPelecaniformesFamilyArdeidaeGenusArdea
Grey Heron
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Grey Heron

Category

Birds

Rarity

Common

Danger

2/5 · Low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Grey Herons can swivel their heads 180 degrees to spot danger or prey all around!

Grey Herons sometimes steal fish from otters or other birds, called kleptoparasitism!

Sometimes, they use bread crusts or insects as bait to lure fish closer!

Their harsh, croaking 'fraaank' call is often heard high above as they fly.

Special abilities

Ability

Stealth Stalker

Grey Heron can stand motionless for ages to surprise fish, thanks to incredible patience and camouflage.

Ability

Strike-Fast Neck

Grey Heron has a uniquely S-shaped neck that allows a lightning-fast strike to catch prey.

Ability

Feather Cleaner

Grey Heron produces special powder-down feathers that help clean fish slime from its plumage.

Measurements & details

Length
90-100 cm
Wingspan
175-195 cm
Weight
1-2.5 kg
Lifespan
5-15 years
Top Speed
50 km/h
Clutch Size
3-5
Incubation
25-28 days
Migration Distance
3000 km

Diet & Feeding

Grey Herons are expert hunters who mainly eat fish, but they also enjoy other small animals.

Primary Foods

  • Fish
  • Amphibians
  • Small mammals
  • Insects
  • Small birds

Foraging Method

  • Ambush

Ecological connections

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

2/5 · Low

Keep a safe distance and watch quietly, so you don't scare the heron away.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is Grey Heron?

90-100 cm

What is Grey Heron's wingspan?

175-195 cm

How much does Grey Heron weigh?

1-2.5 kg

How long does Grey Heron live?

5-15 years

How fast can Grey Heron move?

50 km/h

What does Grey Heron eat?

Grey Herons are expert hunters who mainly eat fish, but they also enjoy other small animals.

Where is Grey Heron usually found?

Wetlands

How does Grey Heron hunt?

Ambush

Snap Map

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Recent Snaps

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Where to spot

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