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It is a large bird, standing up to 100 cm tall and measuring 84–102 cm long with a 155–195 cm wingspan. The body weight can range from 1.02–2.08 kg. Its plumage is largely grey above, and off-white below. Adults have a white head with a broad black supercilium and slender crest, while immatures have a dull grey head. It has a powerful, pinkish-yellow bill, which is brighter in breeding adults. It has a slow flight, with its long neck retracted (S-shaped).
It is native throughout temperate Europe and Asia and also parts of Africa. It is resident in the milder south and west, but many birds retreat in winter from the ice in colder regions. It has become common in summer even inside the Arctic circle along the Norwegian coast. This one was found in one park in Frankfurt, obviously wasn't very much worried about the traffic around but it was a bit afraid and I couldn't get any closet than the other side of the little lake.