Grey Heron

Herons, Bitterns 👁 239 views Updated 2026-11-01

Grey Heron (<em>Ardea cinerea</em>) is a species of Herons, Bitterns (<em>Ardeidae</em>) in the order Pelicans and Allies.

Overview

Grey Heron (Ardea cinerea) is a species of Herons, Bitterns (Ardeidae) in the order Pelicans and Allies. A tall gray heron with a yellow bill and black crown stripe; hunts fish by standing motionless in shallow water then striking with a lightning thrust; nests colonially in trees; a familiar water-edge bird.

Scientific Classification

Genus: Ardea; binomial: Ardea cinerea; authority: Linnaeus, 1758. Typical size: 84-102cm. Average lifespan: 10-20 years.

Distribution

Breeding range: the Palearctic, Africa and the Oriental Region.

Conservation Status

This taxon is listed as Extant (living) in the IOC World Bird List.

Remarks

No additional remarks recorded.

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