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To the Beauty of Birds

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.

It is a large bird, standing up to 39 in tall and measuring 33–40 in long with a 61–77 in wingspan. The body weight can range from 2.2–4.6 lb. Its plumage is largely grey above, and off-white below. Adults have a white head with a broad black supercilium and slender crest, while immatures have a dull grey head. It has a powerful, pinkish-yellow bill, which is brighter in breeding adults. It has a slow flight, with its long neck retracted (S-shaped). This is characteristic of herons and bitterns, and distinguishes them from storks, cranes and spoonbills, which extend their necks. The call is a loud croaking "fraaank". The Australian white-faced heron is often incorrectly called a grey heron. In Ireland the Grey Heron is often colloquially called a "crane".

Grey Heron

Heron Grey 8107

Heron Grey 8050

Heron Grey 8053

Heron Grey 8104

Heron Grey juvenile 7942

Heron Grey 9931

Heron Grey 7598

Heron Grey 7628