Grey heron

Grey herons are comparable in size to Great blue herons of North America. Body length in Grey herons typically ranges from 84 to 102 cm. Like all Ardea species, Grey herons are fairly large birds. In contrast, other genera of herons, such as Ardeola species, rarely exceed average body lengths of 49 cm. Body weight of Grey herons typically ranges from 0.226 to 1.36 kg. This species exhibits a distinct arched wing when flying, with a wingspan of 155 to 175 cm. As their common name suggests, Grey herons have predominantly grey plumage covering their wings, dorsum, and most of the neck. Subspecies Ardea cinerea monicae is distinguished by its lighter plumage and shorter crest. In all Grey heron adults, the head is white with long black feathers that extend from the eyes to the beginning of the neck, forming a large, impressive crest. Juveniles retain a dark crown of grey feathers into their first winter, after which they begin to develop the white forehead and distinctive black crest typical of adults. Grey herons have yellow bills through most of the year, but these acquire an orange tint during the breeding season. As with other herons, Grey herons fly with their head pulled back toward the body while keeping their legs extended behind them. This body positioning during flight distinguishes herons from cranes, which fly with their neck extended.