A worldwide community photographing and learning about wildlife
Ardea cinerea
Very big, strongly built heron, mostly medium grey above and whitish-grey below. Bill straight and powerful, greyish-yellow, legs greyish-yellow or grey. Flies with slow, somewhat irregular beats, all the time with wings strongly bowed, often high up. Upperwings bicoloured, grey with black remiges and primary coverts.
Breeds in colonies or sometimes solitary, in woodland with tall trees beside lakes and brackish sea-bays. Waits patiently, stock-still, for prey on lakeshores and riversides. Rests on one leg in shallow water, often at edge of reeds. Nest a flat basket of sticks in tree crown.
No Comments