Home › Aves › Ardeidae › Grey Heron (Ardea cinerea)
SPECIES PROFILE
Grey Heron (Ardea cinerea)
Ardea
IUCN STATUS
Least Concern
CONSERVATION STATUS
Least Concern
CLASS
Aves
GEOGRAPHICAL RANGE
Throughout Indian subcontinent Europe Africa
DIET
Omnivorous
HABITAT
Mangroves beaches marshes inland water bodies
🔬 Classification
PHYLUM
Chordata
CLASS
Aves
ORDER
Ciconiiformes
FAMILY
Ardeidae
GENUS
Ardea
📋 Description
SIZE
90-98 cm long 1-2 kg
COLORATION
Grey with white crown and black markings
ADAPTATIONS
Long legs and neck for versatile foraging
🌿 Ecology
HABITAT
Mangroves beaches marshes inland water bodies
DIET
Omnivorous
GEOGRAPHIC RANGE
Throughout Indian subcontinent Europe Africa
REPRODUCTION
Lays 3-5 eggs in tree or reed nests incubated 25-28 days
DIET DETAILS
Fish crustaceans reptiles small birds
⚠️ Threats & Conservation
PRIMARY THREATS
Habitat loss nesting site disturbance
💡 Interesting Facts
1
Adaptable Hunters: Grey Herons adjust foraging across India's 1-2 kg bodies spearing 300 grams of fish daily in Chilika's waters. Their 1-meter height aids spotting prey.
2
Widespread Wanderers: These herons roam 10000 sq km of wetlands standing still in Pulicat's shallows. Disturbance threatens their nesting colonies.
🔭 Sighting Guide
📍 BEST PLACES TO SIGHT
Pulicat Lake in Tamil Nadu coastal wetlands host grey heron sightings
Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary in Karnataka river islands offer grey heron sightings
Nal Sarovar Bird Sanctuary in Gujarat lakes have grey heron sightings
🗓️ BEST TIME TO SIGHT
October-March Dry season improves visibility in wetlands for spotting herons
🎯 SIGHTING TIPS
Observe grey herons on open shores at sunrise
