Grey heron

The grey heron is an elegant, long-legged bird renowned for its hunting prowess and native to Europe, Asia, and parts of Africa. These majestic birds are frequently seen in wetlands such as lakes, rivers, ponds, and marshes, where they primarily feed on aquatic creatures.

Standing about one meter tall, adult grey herons are striking with their white heads and necks, grey bodies and wings, and distinctive pinkish-yellow beaks.

During the spring, these birds gather in colonies to breed. They construct their nests high up in the trees, typically laying three to five bluish-green eggs. Both parents share the responsibility of incubating the eggs for around 25 days and care for the chicks until they are ready to fledge at about 7-8 weeks old. Unfortunately, many young herons do not survive their first winter, but those that do can live up to five years on average.

Grey herons have also made a significant mark on human culture. They appear in ancient Egyptian and Roman art and were once considered a delicacy in Britain. Interestingly, they have even influenced surnames such as Earnshaw and Heron. Today, these birds have adapted well to city life, thriving in urban areas with suitable habitats.

Thanks to their size and powerful beaks, adult grey herons have few natural predators. However, their eggs and young are more vulnerable. Additionally, these birds can host various parasitic worms, with younger herons generally experiencing higher infection rates.