Wildlife
Grey herons are large, striking birds often spotted standing motionless at the water's edge. Having found a suitable location, herons stand and wait patiently for the right moment to stab passing prey with their dagger-like beaks. They also wade through shallow water searching for small fish and amphibians. Herons fly with their head drawn back and feet trailing behind. The wing beats are slow and their curved wings form an m-shape.
Scientific name: Ardea cinerea
Rank: Species
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London's herons
The nesting ritual remains unchanged but the location is certainly different.
Throughout February the herons of Regent's Park build their nests, often reusing the same site for many years. Males stake their claim on territory and females through an odd ritual of neck extending and preening their elaborate plumage.
Head for heights
Herons nesting in the treetops of an oak woodland.
Herons nesting in the treetops of an oak woodland.
Urban birds
Herons are a bit noisy, but their presence in our cities is welcomed by most.
Herons are a bit noisy, but their presence in our cities is welcomed by most.
Pwllheli heron colony
Iolo Williams discovers how birds have adapted to living alongside man.
Iolo Williams visits a nesting heron colony, in Pwllheli in North Wales.
Striking herons
John Keeling paints a poetic portrait of the Lancaster bombers of the bird world.
John Keeling paints a poetic portrait of the Lancaster bombers of the bird world.
Species range provided by WWF's Wildfinder.
The Grey heron can be found in a number of locations including: Africa, Asia, China, Europe, Indian subcontinent, Madagascar, Mediterranean, Russia, United Kingdom, Wales, Ynys-hir nature reserve. Find out more about these places and what else lives there.
The following habitats are found across the Grey heron distribution range. Find out more about these environments, what it takes to live there and what else inhabits them.
Discover what these behaviours are and how different plants and animals use them.
Additional data source: Animal Diversity Web
Least Concern
Year assessed: 2009
Classified by: IUCN 3.1
The Grey Heron (Ardea cinerea), is a wading bird of the heron family Ardeidae, native throughout temperate Europe and Asia and also parts of Africa. It is resident in the milder south and west, but many birds retreat in winter from the ice in colder regions. It has become common in summer even inside the Arctic circle along the Norwegian coast.
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Ynys-hir Herons A Springwatch first! Nests in a tree-top heronry came under the webcams' gaze.
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Ambush predator
Carnivorous
Colonial
Adapted to flying
Egg layer
Parental investment
Territorial