Category:Photographs by Anil Öztas/Ardea cinerea

The grey heron (Ardea cinerea), also known as the heron, is an elegant and widespread bird species native to Europe, Asia and parts of Africa. It is distinguished by its striking grey plumage, long neck and pointed bill. Grey herons are large birds that can reach a body size of up to one metre. They have a slender build and long, strong legs that help them wade and stand in water. These birds are found in a variety of habitats, including riverbanks, lakes, ponds, swamps and wetlands. They feed mainly on fish, amphibians, insects and other small vertebrates, which they catch with their pointed beaks. The Grey Heron is a skilled hunter and often waits motionless on the shore or in shallow water before striking with lightning speed to seize its prey. It can also catch prey in flight, diving into the water from the air. These birds are territorial and often breed in colonies known as heron colonies. During the mating season, they perform showy behaviours including feather preening, wing stretching and loud calls to signal their readiness to mate. Grey herons have a long lifespan and can live up to 25 years. They are also known to build their nests in treetops or on high cliffs to protect their young from predators.