Grey heron

Description:

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.

Habitat:

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.