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Grey Heron, Ardea cinerea standing in water with reflection at Bhigwan, Pune, Maharashtra, India.

White and gray heron in pond hunting fishes

A tall, often solitary bird, the Grey Heron is one of the UK's most familiar birds. It feeds mainly on fish, but also eats small mammals (even Moles!), waterbirds (sometimes up to the size of a Coot) and Crayfish. It is often seen standing stock-still in the shallow waters of lakes, rivers and ponds, patiently hunting fish that flit about below the surface. It will visit gardens with ornamental ponds, looking for an easy meal.

Gray Heron (Ardea cinerea) standing in side view in blue silver shining water - Lanzarote, Canary Islands

Striking image of a grey heron opening its wings to take off. The water, reeds, aquatic plants and foliage create a serene, natural backdrop, highlighting the bird's elegant posture while flying.

$Grey Heron.\nThe grey heron (Ardea cinerea) is a long-legged wading bird of the heron family, Ardeidae, native throughout temperate Europe and Asia, and also parts of Africa. It is resident in much of its range, but some populations from the more northern parts migrate southwards in autumn. A bird of wetland areas, it can be seen around lakes, rivers, ponds, marshes and on the sea coast. It feeds mostly on aquatic creatures which it catches after standing stationary beside or in the water, or stalking its prey through the shallows.\n\nStanding up to 1 metre (3 ft 3 in) tall, adults weigh from 1 to 2 kg (2 to 4 lb). They have a white head and neck with a broad black stripe that extends from the eye to the black crest. The body and wings are grey above and the underparts are greyish-white, with some black on the flanks. The long, sharply pointed beak is pinkish-yellow and the legs are brown.\n\nThe birds breed colonially in spring in heronries, usually building their nests high in trees. A clutch of usually three to five bluish-green eggs is laid. Both birds incubate the eggs for around 25 days, and then both feed the chicks, which fledge when 7-8 weeks old. Many juveniles do not survive their first winter, but if they do, they can expect to live for about 5 years.\n\nIn Ancient Egypt, the deity Bennu was depicted as a heron in New Kingdom artwork. In Ancient Rome, the heron was a bird of divination. Roast heron was once a specially prized dish; when George Neville became Archbishop of York in 1465, 400 herons were served to the guests.$

a grey heron flies away close above a lake

$L 84-102cm (neck extended), WS 155-175cm.\nBreeds in colonies, or sometimes solitarily, in woodland with tall trees beside lakes and brackish sea-bays.\nWaits patiently, stock-still, for prey (mostly fish) on lakeshores and riversides, rests on one leg in shallow water, often at edge of reeds.\nMostly not migrating (resident/sedentary bird).\nNest a flat basket of sticks in tree crown.\n\nIn the Netherlands this is a common bird (also feeding/nestling) in Towns.$

Grey heron, Ardea cinerea bird standing from side in pond and abstract reflection. Wildlife animal background

The heron is an easily recognised, grey-backed bird, with long legs, a long, white neck, bright yellow bill and a black eyestripe that continues as long, drooping feathers down the neck. Often found on lakes,rivers,ponds etc looking for its next meal.

Grey Heron (Ardea cinerea) standing on pond edge

Striking image of a grey heron standing in shallow water that has just caught a fish and is gulping it, which is clearly visible in its sharp, orange beak. The water, reeds, aquatic plants and foliage create a serene, natural backdrop, highlighting the bird's elegant posture and focused gaze.

Close up portrait of a Grey heron along the shores of Lake Naivasha in Kenya.

Heron perched on a protruding log with a captured fish

A Grey Heron by the waters edge waiting for an opportunity to catch some food.

Nature wildlife image of grey heron bird in flight

Grey heron full body view over lake water that reflects the green and yellow plans of the lakeshore. The bird shows its elegant posture.

Grey Heron (Ardea cinerea) standing in water at wetland

Grey heron inside Po river lagoon, Italian landscape. Nature

a Heron searches for food in a small waterhole of southern Africa

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