The term "western grey heron" is a variation of Grey Heron (Ardea cinerea), a large, long-legged wading bird found in wetlands across much of Europe, Asia, and Africa. It has grey upperparts, a white head with black stripes leading to a crest, and a yellowish-pink bill. Known for its calm foraging behavior, it hunts by standing still and striking quickly at fish, amphibians, and small mammals.
Appearance
Plumage: Ashy-grey on the back and wings, with a greyish-white underside.
Head: White with a black stripe running from above the eye to the back of the head, where it forms a crest.
Neck: Light colored with dark streaks on the front.
Bill: Long, strong, and yellowish-pink, becoming brighter in the breeding season.
Legs: Long and brownish.
Size: Stands about 1 meter tall with a wingspan of around 1.75 meters.
Behavior and diet
Foraging: Stalks or stands motionless in the water, waiting for prey to come close.
Diet: Primarily fish, but also eats amphibians, small mammals, reptiles, and insects.
Hunting: Strikes at prey with its long beak like a harpoon.
Flight: Folds its neck into an "S" shape while flying.
Habitat and distribution
Habitat: Found in various wetlands, including rivers, lakes, ponds, and coastlines. It nests in colonies called heronries, often in trees near water.
Distribution: Its range includes Europe, Asia, and Africa. In some western populations, such as in parts of southern Africa, the population is increasing due to factors like irrigation and reservoirs.
Calls
Main call: A harsh, croaking "fraaank".
Other noises: A variety of guttural and raucous sounds are made, especially at breeding colonies.
