The Grey Heron (Ardea cinerea) is a wading bird of the heron family Ardeidae, common throughout temperate Europe and Asia. It is resident in the milder south and west, but many birds retreat in winter from the ice in colder regions.
This species breeds in colonies in trees close to lakes or other wetlands, although it will also nest in reed beds. It builds a bulky stick nest.
It feeds in shallow water, spearing fish or frogs with its long, sharp bill. Herons will also take small mammals and birds. It will often wait motionless for prey, or slowly stalk its victim.
The Grey Heron is a large bird, standing 1 m tall, and it has a 1.5 m wingspan. Its plumage is largely grey above, and off-white below. It has a powerful yellow bill, which is brighter in breeding adults. It has a slow flight, with its neck retracted. This is characteristic of herons and bitterns, and distinguishes them from storks, cranes and spoonbills, which extend their necks.
The call is a loud croaking "fraaank".
This species is very similar to the American Great Blue Heron. The Australian White-faced Heron is often incorrectly called Grey Heron.
