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Ardea cinerea
The Grey Heron (Ardea cinerea) is a large heron (Ardeidae) measuring 90–100 cm in length with a wingspan of up to 200 cm. Its plumage is predominantly grey, while the head and neck are lighter with a distinct black eye-to-nape stripe; the long yellowish-orange bill is adapted for catching prey. The species inhabits rivers, lakes, ponds, marshes, and coastal areas across much of Europe, Asia, and Africa; in central Europe it occurs partly as a resident and partly as a migratory bird. It feeds mainly on fish, but also on amphibians, reptiles, small mammals, insects, and occasionally birds, typically hunting motionless in shallow water. Breeding usually takes place colonially in tall trees, with clutches of three to five eggs incubated by both parents. In flight, the neck is retracted in an S-shape, the legs extend backward, and the wingbeats are slow and powerful.
Ardea cinerea
The Grey Heron (Ardea cinerea) is a large heron (Ardeidae) measuring 90–100 cm in length with a wingspan of up to 200 cm. Its plumage is predominantly grey, while the head and neck are lighter with a distinct black eye-to-nape stripe; the long yellowish-orange bill is adapted for catching prey. The species inhabits rivers, lakes, ponds, marshes, and coastal areas across much of Europe, Asia, and Africa; in central Europe it occurs partly as a resident and partly as a migratory bird. It feeds mainly on fish, but also on amphibians, reptiles, small mammals, insects, and occasionally birds, typically hunting motionless in shallow water. Breeding usually takes place colonially in tall trees, with clutches of three to five eggs incubated by both parents. In flight, the neck is retracted in an S-shape, the legs extend backward, and the wingbeats are slow and powerful.