The Grey Heron is 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 is a large bird, standing 90–100cm tall, with a 175–195cm wingspan and a weight of 1–2kg. It feeds in shallow water, catching fish, frogs, and insects with its long bill. Herons will also take small mammals, reptiles and occasionally warbler nestlings, plovers, young and adult snipes, takes ducklings and tern chicks and other small birds. It will often wait motionless for prey, or slowly stalk its victim.
The call of the Grey Heron is a loud croaking fraaank. This species breeds in colonies in trees close to lakes, the seashore or other wetlands, although it will also nest in reedbeds. It builds a bulky stick nest.
The Australian White-faced Heron is often incorrectly called Grey Heron.
[All text: Ref (88)]
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