Belongs to: herons

Grey heron Ardea cinerea


Best time to see: all year

Key facts

Large grey and white heron with long neck and bill

Habitat: freshwater margins, marshes and occasionally gardens; visits gardens in search of goldfish

Widespread and common resident

Recognition

Large heron with grey, black and white plumage, yellow dagger-like bill and large wings

Wades or stands still by water's edge; flight very laboured and floppy with legs outstretched

Eats fish, amphibians and very occasionally birds

Lifecycle

Nest is a large platform of twigs high in trees

1 Brood February – April; 3-5 pale greenish-blue eggs

  • Main photo
  • head
  • in tree

Photo © David Harrison

Photo ©

Photo © Ken Wooldridge