Grey Heron
Ardea cinerea
Length 90-98cm

A familiar large, long-legged wetland bird. Adult has dagger-like, yellow bill and black crest of feathers. Head, neck and underparts otherwise whitish except for black streaks on front of neck and breast. Back and wings blue-grey. In flight, wings are broad and rounded with black flight feathers; employs slow, flapping wingbeats and holds neck folded in hunched 's' shape close to body. Juvenile similar to adult but markings less distinct and plumage more grubby in appearance. Often seen standing motionless for hours on end on long, yellow legs, sometimes with neck hunched up. Will occasionally actively stalk prey which comprise mainly amphibians and fish, especially eels. Call a harsh and distinctive 'frank'. Nests in loose colonies mainly in trees but sometimes in reedbeds. Favours river margins, lakes and marshes for feeding but sometimes seen on coasts in winter. Breeds commonly throughout Britain and Ireland but absent from smaller offshore islands and Shetland Islands.