Bird
Grey Heron
Ardea cinereaAlso known as Gray Heron
The Grey Heron is a tall blue-gray wader with a white neck, black head stripe, and dagger-like bill. It waits motionless or stalks slowly before striking at aquatic prey.
Wading BirdPatient HunterWetland Generalist
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & preyFish, Frogs, Small mammals
Predators
- Large raptors
- Foxes
ThreatsWetland loss, persecution, fishing-line entanglement, and polluted water
HabitatsRivers, lakes, marshes, estuaries, coasts, and urban ponds
Life spanOften 5 to 15 years; exceptional birds exceed 20 years
Classification
- OrderPelecaniformes
- FamilyArdeidae
- GenusArdea
- SpeciesArdea cinerea
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Give hunting birds and nesting colonies a generous buffer.
Responsible observation
- Posture: Note the folded neck in flight, unlike a crane.
- Patience: Watch a still bird for the sudden forward strike.
Keep collecting in Fauna
Found in Collections
Ecosystem chain
Wetland Territory
Grey Heron is found in this collection. Identify it in Fauna to fill this slot and continue your progress.
—/12
Help improve the field guideSomething wrong?
Checking your Fauna account…Report a name, category, or profile issue for review.