Ardea cinerea
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Mass
~1 kg
Habitat
Wetlands and marshes
Diet
Fish and aquatic animals
How to recognize it
The Gray Heron is easy to remember for its long neck and calm, upright look. In flight, it is just as distinctive, with the neck folded back and the long legs stretched out behind.
It moves slowly and watches for a long time before striking. Often it stands still at the water’s edge for minutes on end, then makes a sudden, quick grab. Its call is rough and harsh, and you are most likely to hear it in flight or around nesting places.
It stays close to shallow water, but it also adapts well to cities when feeding places are available. It eats mostly fish, along with frogs, crayfish, insects, and small mammals; some northern populations move south in autumn, while many others stay all year.
Quick Facts
Listen to the call
The Gray Heron is easy to remember for its long neck and calm, upright look. In flight, it is just as distinctive, with the neck folded back and the long legs stretched out behind.
It moves slowly and watches for a long time before striking. Often it stands still at the water’s edge for minutes on end, then makes a sudden, quick grab. Its call is rough and harsh, and you are most likely to hear it in flight or around nesting places.
It stays close to shallow water, but it also adapts well to cities when feeding places are available. It eats mostly fish, along with frogs, crayfish, insects, and small mammals; some northern populations move south in autumn, while many others stay all year.
