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Trees- ShrubsGrey Heron (Ardea cinerea)
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Ardea cinerea is closely related to A. purpurea (Purple Heron) and A. sumatrana (Great-billed Heron). A. cinerea is an unmistakable sight with its dagger-like, yellow/orange bill with a long, erect, white neck and pale grey body all mounted upon long legs. A long, narrow, black necked plume as well as black spots on its fore-neck also characterise this species, which can reach nearly one meter in height (1). The wingspan of this bird can reach two meters.
The Grey Heron has a short, harsh ‘fraink’ as a call and when near the nest it will adopt rattling and croaking sounds.
It is usually slow moving through pools or rivers. The Grey Heron strides, silently through the shallows or long vegetation. Often standing still for long periods of time this species demonstrates phenomenal patience. Some will attempt to nab fish from garden ponds or town lakes, especially during the winter months if their usual feeding grounds are frozen.
It frequents both freshwater and saltwater habitats, from rocky coasts to freshwater ponds throughout the whole of Europe.
The breeding season of this bird is prolonged and occurs from January to May (1). In the UK it is common to see eggs laid from the end of February. During mating this species can be seen soaring high above the tree tops, with the male chasing the female. Elaborate neck movements follow with crest and neck plumes erect and bill snapping (2). The nest is a large pile of reed stems and other vegetation, usually in trees (1). This species had one brood of four to five eggs.
The Grey Heron is one of the most common species of heron in Greece and furthermore it appears numbers are increasing (3). It is widespread across many areas of the globe, especially Europe. Its geographic range is believed to be approximately 10,000,000km2 and global population numbers estimated to be 710,000 – 3,600,000 (4).
In the winter months post-breeding dispersal can be seen. Much of the north and eastern European birds fly south during the winter for warmer climes, however, the UK population does not migrate but does disperse widely.
It is a very successful hunter this bird will eat Salmo trutta (Brown Trout), frogs amongst other species of fish, amphibians and insects.
It has no natural, regular, predators due to the size of the species and its large bill. The nest location also makes it difficult for egg thieves to take advantage.
IUCN Red List = Least Concern (2)
Description written by Stephanie Walker (2009)
(1) Hume. R. (2002) Complete Birds of Britain and Europe, Dorling Kindersley Limited, London
(2) IUCN (2008) IUCN Red List of Threatened Species [online] Available: http://www.iucnredlist.org [date accessed: 06/04/2009]
(3) Handrinos. G., and Akriotis. T. (1997) The Birds of Greece, A & C Black, London
(4) Seago. M. J. – Birds of Britain (2009) Grey Heron, [online] Available: http://www.birdsofbritain.co.uk/bird-guide/grey-heron.asp [date accessed: 06/04/2009]
