The grey heron (Ardea cinerea) is a long-legged wading bird of the heron family, Ardeidae, native throughout temperate Europe and Asia, and also parts of Africa. It is resident in much of its range, but some populations from the more northern parts migrate southwards in autumn.

May 22, 2024 · Snowy Egret. Egretta thula. Size: 22 – 26 inches tall, wingspan 40 inches. The small snowy egret is an active hunter, often striding briskly through the shallows in search of prey. Despite their similar all-white feathers, their much smaller size makes it easy to tell them apart from great egrets.

Like other herons and egrets, flies with neck pulled in to form a bulge. Larger than a Black-crowned Night-Heron and smaller than a Common Crane. Ornithologists recognize three distinctive groups within the Gray Heron species: "Gray,” "Mauritanian," and "Madagascar."

Gray Heron, found in Europe, Asia, and Africa, is one of three very similar herons worldwide, together with Great Blue Heron of North America and Cocoi Heron of South America. Raising a nest full of baby herons is hard work!

Generally quite common and conspicuous in wetland habitats from marshes and tidal flats to small ponds, ditches, and wet fields; nests colonially in tall trees. Mainly seen as singles or in small groups, standing quietly in or at the edge of water, less often hunting in fields.

The most obvious difference between grey herons and great blue herons is their size and shape. Great blue herons are taller, heavier, and have longer, s-shaped necks. Another key difference is the rufous thighs and wrists of the great blue heron, which are whitish on grey herons.

The Grey heron (Ardea cinerea) is a large long-legged wading bird of the heron native to Europe and Asia and also parts of Africa. It lives in wetland areas and feeds on various aquatic creatures which it catches after standing stationary beside or in the water.

The heron is an easily recognised, grey-backed bird, with long legs, a long, white neck, bright yellow bill and a black eyestripe that continues as long, drooping feathers down the neck. Flies with its long legs stretched out, but its neck pulled in.