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Grey Heron

Ardea cinerea

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40.6264, 22.8415

Field Notes

Description:

It is a large bird, standing up to 100 cm (39 in) tall and measuring 84–102 cm (33–40 in) long with a 155–195 cm (61–77 in) wingspan.The body weight can range from 1.02–2.08 kg (2.2–4.6 lb). 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). This is characteristic of herons and bitterns, and distinguishes them from storks, cranes and spoonbills, which extend their necks. The call is a loud croaking "fraaank".

Habitat:

Spotted in Kalochori lagoon and estuaries of Gallikos river. The case of the lagoon Kalochori is unique in Greece, as it is a "new" wetland created gradually from the mid-'50s, as a result of ground subsidence caused by overexploitation of water from underground aquifers in conjunction with the loose of the soil (Anastasiadis et al 2004). Today the lagoon covers an area of 2,260 acres. The depth of the lagoon is 0.5 to 1 meter below the sea. Despite the general deterioration of the lagoon, due to drought, rubbish and waste, is one of the most important areas within the protected area because of the large number waders and water birds gathering here all year long.

Notes:

Greek name: Ερωδιός ο τεφρόχρους. Greek common name: Σταχτοτσικνιάς.

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