Grey Heron
Species Information
Credit: Max Pixel
Statistics
Scientific name: Ardea cinerea
Length:Â 95cm
Wingspan:Â 1.8m
Weight:Â 1.5kg
Average lifespan:Â 5 yearsÂ
Conservation status
Common
When to see
January to December
About
Grey herons stalk their prey, often standing motionless for some considerable time. They feed mainly on fish, but will also take amphibians, small mammals (even water voles), water birds (sometimes up to the size of a coot) and crayfish. Grey herons usually feed close to the bank or shore but may wade out into shallow water hunting fish just below the surface. Herons are also known to visit gardens with ornamental fishponds, looking for an easy meal.
How to identify
The grey heron is a recognisable grey-backed bird, with long legs, a long, white neck, bright yellow bill and a black eye stripe that comprises long trailing black feathers. They are often found standing motionless with neck stretched out, looking for food, or hunched down with its neck bent over its chest. Herons stretch their legs out when they fly, but hold their necks in.
Did you know ?
Although grey herons are normally solitary, they nest in colonies known as ‘heronries’, which are often in the canopies of trees. They make large, ungainly nests out of twigs and lay 3-4 eggs. The young fledge after about one and half months.
How you can help?Â
Did you know you can help wildlife in your local river ? You can do this in many ways from reporting pollution to SEPA, by not flushing wet wipes down the toilet and even at one of our many conservation volunteer days. Check out our Get Involved page for more information on how you can get involved with your local river.