Grey Heron

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Grey Heron in the UK

Grey Heron is a common resident across the UK. More than 10,000 pairs breed, nesting in colonies called heronries, usually high in trees. Some heronries have been used for many decades. Nests have been counted every year since 1928 by the BTO Heronries Census, one of the longest-running bird surveys anywhere. Numbers peaked in the early 2000s, higher than at any point in the previous 90 years, and have dipped since. Wintering numbers have been broadly stable in recent years. It is on the Green List.

Where and when to see a Grey Heron

Almost any fresh or sheltered salt water: rivers, canals, lakes, gravel pits, ditches, estuaries, rocky shores and garden ponds. Town parks are as good as nature reserves. Herons feed at any time of day, most actively at dawn and dusk. Heronries are busy from February, when birds are on nests before the leaves open. Several are in public parks, including Regent's Park in London. In frozen weather birds move to the coast and to fast-flowing water that stays open.

Habitat, diet and field notes

Habitat: Lakes, rivers, ditches.
Diet: Fish, frogs, small mammals.
Field note: Patient stalker.

How to identify a Grey Heron

Unmistakable in size: it stands close to a metre tall with a wingspan approaching two metres. Grey back and wings, whitish head and neck, a black stripe over the eye ending in a thin drooping crest, and a long yellow dagger bill. Black streaks run down the front of the neck. Juveniles are greyer and duller with a dark crown. It stands still for long periods, neck stretched or hunched into the shoulders. In flight the neck is pulled back in an S, legs trail, and the wings are deeply bowed with slow beats.

Call and song

A loud, harsh 'fraaank', usually given in flight, often at dusk or when disturbed. Heronries are noisy, with croaks, squawks and the clattering calls of chicks begging for food. Heard something you cannot place? Bird Hear identifies UK birds from a 10 second recording, free in your browser.

Confusion species

• Common Crane: A Crane flies with its neck stretched straight out and has a bushy 'bustle' of feathers over the tail when standing.
• Great White Egret: Similar size and shape, but the egret is entirely white.
• Purple Heron: Purple Heron is smaller, darker and thinner-necked, with rusty brown on the neck, and is a rare visitor.

Related guide Bird migration in Britain.

Conservation status and Birdedex points

In the Birdedex the Grey Heron is a Common tier bird, worth +1 point when you log one. It is not on the Red or Amber lists in Birds of Conservation Concern 5.

Recent UK sightings

Similar birds

• Great Blue HeronLegendary · Coast
• Great White EgretUncommon · Marshes
• Purple HeronRare · Reedbeds (rare breeder)
• Great CormorantCommon · Coast
• Mute SwanCommon · Lakes
• Egyptian GooseUncommon · Parkland lakes

Grey Heron: quick answers

What does a Grey Heron eat?

Mostly fish, taken with a fast strike after a long wait. It also eats frogs, newts, small mammals such as voles, and the young of other waterbirds. Garden pond fish are easy prey; netting or a steep-sided pond are the usual defences.

What habitat does a Grey Heron live in?

Any shallow water with prey, from upland streams to city canals and sea lochs. It also hunts voles on damp fields, well away from water. For nesting it needs tall, undisturbed trees, though some colonies use reedbeds or cliffs.

When is the best time to see Grey Heron?

Any day of the year. For something different, visit a heronry between February and May, when adults fly in and out with sticks and food. By June the young are standing on the nests and are easy to see.

Kit that helps

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