Quick answer
The grey heron stands motionless at water edges before spearing fish with its dagger bill, weighing about 1.5 kg and living 25 years. Adapted to urban parks worldwide, it flies at 40 km/h with neck retracted in an S-shape.
Key takeaway
The grey heron stands motionless at water edges before spearing fish with its dagger bill, weighing about 1.5 kg and living 25 years. Adapted to urban parks worldwide, it flies at 40 km/h with neck retracted in an S-shape.
Grey Heron overview
Grey Heron (Ardea cinerea) is a bird listed here as Least Concern. Typical weight 1–2 kg (2.2–4.4 lb); lifespan around 15–25 years in the wild.
Grey Heron ecology
Diet: Carnivore — fish, amphibians, rodents, and birds. Habitat: Wetlands, rivers, and coasts across Eurasia and Africa. Movement and social systems reflect those pressures across the native range.
Grey Herons and people
Learn before you travel or keep related pets. Wild grey herons are not toys; captive care needs species-specific husbandry.
Status and further reading
Conservation label in our guides: Least Concern. See the full Grey Heron profile for taxonomy, FAQs, and related topic guides on this site.
Conservation and coexistence
Listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. Habitat loss, hunting, and climate change threaten many populations. Responsible ecotourism and community conservation help in parts of their range. Never approach or feed wild grey herons.
Human interest and research
Grey Herons feature in folklore, tourism, and scientific study worldwide. Ongoing research tracks population trends, genetics, and responses to environmental change — data that guides national protection policies.
Sources
Grey Heron FAQs
What are key facts about grey herons?
The grey heron stands motionless at water edges before spearing fish with its dagger bill, weighing about 1.5 kg and living 25 years. Adapted to urban parks worldwide, it flies at 40 km/h with neck retracted in an S-shape.
What is the scientific name of the grey heron?
Ardea cinerea — used in research and conservation listings for grey herons.
What do grey herons eat?
Grey Herons eat fish, amphibians, rodents, and birds, with seasonal and regional variation in Wetlands, rivers, and coasts across Eurasia and Africa.
Where do grey herons live?
They are associated with Wetlands, rivers, and coasts across Eurasia and Africa. Local presence depends on food, cover, and human land use.
What is the conservation status of grey herons?
Listed in our guides as Least Concern. Check the IUCN Red List and national assessments for the latest formal category.