Herons · Pelicans and herons
Gray Heron
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Ardea cinerea
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Voice
Call
Alarm
Call
How to recognize it
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Body length 84–102 cm; long-legged, with a very long neck
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Adult: white head and neck, black stripe from eye to crest; grey upperparts
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In flight, neck retracted in an S, legs trailing well beyond the tail
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Loud, harsh rasping call, like a short croak
About the species
Grey above and pale below, the Gray Heron has a white head and neck crossed by a black stripe that runs back from the eye into a slim crest. Dark streaks mark the front of its neck, and its straight, yellowish bill points down as it waits at the water’s edge. In flight, it tucks its neck into an S while its long legs trail behind.
It may stand motionless in the shallows, then thrust its neck forward to snatch a fish. A harsh, croaking “fraaank” often gives it away in flight; otherwise, it can spend long spells standing still, sometimes on one leg. It also stalks slowly through shallow water, watching for prey.
Look for it beside lakes, rivers, ponds, marshes and coastal water; it also turns up in city waterways where feeding and nesting spots are available. Fish make up most of its meals, though it also takes frogs, insects and small mammals. Many stay year-round, while populations from the north move south in autumn.
Where to find
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At the shallow edge of a city pond or river, a Gray Heron may stand motionless watching for fish, then stalk slowly through the water.
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In spring, look up into tall trees near wetlands for colony nests and listen for rough croaking calls.
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In Dutch cities, check around street markets and snack bars for a brief stop to feed.
