In flight their large size, impressive wingspan, long legs, and folded neck give them an unmistakable silhouette. Largely silent away from colonies, flight is sometimes accompanied by a harsh ‘kraank’ call.
Grey Herons gather to nest in treetop sites called heronries, some of which have been occupied for many decades. These have been monitored in the UK since 1928 through the Heronries Census. Overall the UK's breeding population has increased, with numbers peaking in the early 2000, but with some more recent declines.
The Grey Heron is a distinctive species with grey, black, and white plumage. It is often seen along rivers or lake margins, or standing in flooded fields.
Grey heron chicks sometimes kill and eat each other.
Grey herons usually live only five years, but at least one heron lived for 23 years.
They use the same nest season after season, often building a new one on top of the old. Male herons aren’t above stealing roomier nests.
Their eggs are a lovely shade of blue-green.
Like other herons, they fly with their necks drawn in. This differentiates them from cranes and storks, who fly with their necks extended.
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