Latin name
Ardea cinerea
Family
Bitterns and herons (Ardeidae)
Where to see them
Around any kind of water – garden ponds, lakes, rivers and even on estuaries. Sometimes, grey herons circle high up into the sky and can be mistaken for large birds of prey.
When to see them
At any time of year – our grey herons do not migrate.
What they eat
Lots of fish, but also small birds such as ducklings, small mammals like voles, and amphibians. After harvesting, grey herons can sometimes be seen in fields, looking for rodents.
Population
| Europe | UK breeding* | UK wintering* | UK passage* | | - | 14,200 nests | 61,000 birds | - |