Grey herons are large, grey-plumaged birds that are solitary feeders but nest in colonies called heronries. They have long legs and necks, a yellow bill, and a distinctive black eye-stripe. Herons are excellent fishers, using their long beaks to spear prey, and they live near freshwater habitats like lakes and rivers, though they can also be found along coasts and at fish farms.
Physical characteristics
Appearance: Grey plumage on their back and greyish-white underneath, with a long, white neck and a bright yellow, dagger-shaped bill. They have a black eye-stripe that extends into black feathers at the back of their head.
Size: They can stand up to a meter tall and weigh up to 2 kilograms, making them one of the tallest birds in Britain.
Habitat and diet
Habitat: They prefer freshwater environments such as lakes, ponds, rivers, and marshlands, but can also adapt to saltwater habitats and feed in flooded fields.
Diet: They mainly eat fish but also prey on frogs, insects, and other small creatures. They use their long necks and beaks to snatch prey from the water.
Hunting: Once they catch prey, they often toss it in the air and swallow it head-first.
Behavior and reproduction
Nesting: Grey herons nest in large colonies called heronries, typically in treetops.
Breeding: They breed in the spring, laying 3 to 6 eggs that are about the size of a chicken egg. Both parents feed the chicks by regurgitating fish.
Flight: In flight, they retract their long necks into a characteristic "S" shape, unlike storks which fly with their necks outstretched.
Lifespan: The average lifespan is about five years, though some can live much longer.
Adaptability and intelligence
Adaptability: They are a highly successful species due to their biological flexibility, which allows them to live in a wide variety of habitats and take advantage of different food sources, including those created by humans.
Solitary vs. social: They are solitary feeders but come together to nest, a combination that allows them to take advantage of both strategies.
