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
Europe, Asia, Africa
DIET
Carnivorous
HABITAT
Wetlands, rivers, lakes
🔬 Classification
PHYLUM
Chordata
CLASS
Aves
ORDER
Pelecaniformes
FAMILY
Ardeidae
GENUS
Ardea
📋 Description
SIZE
84-102 cm body length, wingspan 155-195 cm, 1-2.3 kg
COLORATION
Grey upperparts, white underparts, long neck
ADAPTATIONS
Patient stand-and-wait hunter
🌿 Ecology
HABITAT
Wetlands, rivers, lakes
DIET
Carnivorous
GEOGRAPHIC RANGE
Europe, Asia, Africa
REPRODUCTION
3-5 eggs, 1 brood per year
DIET DETAILS
Fish, amphibians, small mammals
⚠️ Threats & Conservation
PRIMARY THREATS
Habitat loss, pollution
💡 Interesting Facts
1
The Grey Heron is a tall, long-necked wading bird that stands motionless in shallow water to catch prey. It has a distinctive S-shaped neck in flight.
2
It is one of the most widespread and recognizable waterbirds in Europe.
🔭 Sighting Guide
📍 BEST PLACES TO SIGHT
Norfolk Broads UK
River Thames London
New Forest UK
🗓️ BEST TIME TO SIGHT
Year-round
🎯 SIGHTING TIPS
Look for tall grey herons standing motionless in shallow water.
