Grey heron  (Ardea cinerea)

Learn about the scientific name of this species and how it fits into the tree of life at Nature Navigator.

Description

The grey heron is the largest heron in Europe (4). It has a long neck, a strong, dagger-like bill and long yellow legs (2). In flight, the neck is folded back (5), and the wings are bowed (2). In adults, the forehead, sides of the head and the centre of the crown are white, whereas in juveniles these are greyish (2). The sexes are similar in appearance (2).

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