Grey Heron

L'grey heron (Ardea cinerea Linnaeus, 1758) is the most common and widespread heron in Europe, belonging to the family Ardeidae. This sizeable bird can reach a height of 90-98 cm, a weight between 1020 and 2073 grams, and a wingspan of up to 1.70 meters. Native to the temperate regions of the Old World and Africa, it is the heron that goes furthest north, even nesting along the Norwegian coast beyond the Arctic Circle during the summer.

It is distinguished by gray plumage on the upper part of the body and white on the lower part. Adults have an obvious black tuft on the nape of the neck and black feathers on the neck, while in juveniles the gray color predominates. Legs and beak are yellow in color. Males and females are similar, although the former tend to be slightly larger.

It generally nests in trees near water, but occasionally on the ground or on sea cliffs. In flight, it is recognizable by its "S"-shaped folded neck and slow, arched wingstroke. It differs from cranes, which fly with an outstretched neck. Its voice is a harsh "kaark."