Grey Heron

Ardea cinerea

Other Names

    Héron cendré   Graureiher   Garza Real   Grå häger   Blauwe Reiger   Airone cenerino

World: Widespread through Palearctic, southern Asia and Indonesia from the Outer Hebrides through to Taiwan also across most of the African continent.

Kenya: Widespread, occurring just about anywhere there is water, including the seashore. Also found on dry grassland. Absent only from the arid northern desert regions.

A large, conspicuous heron which is generally solitary except when breeding. The adult is easily distinguished from other species by its white crown and yellow bill, tarsi and eye (which become a deep orange colour during courtship).