Ardea cinerea Linnaeus, 1758

A long-legged, long-necked, grey marsh bird. The upperparts are ashy grey with a white crown and neck. The neck is long and slender, and has a prominent dotted black line down the middle of the fore-neck. It has a long black crest, narrow head and dagger-like yellow bill. It is greyish white below, with plumes on the breast and black patches on the belly. In the breeding season it has white scapular plumes, and the bill and legs become orange. The female has very similar plumage, but the crest and breast plumes are less developed. It is a solitary bird that can be found on most inland waters, and is regularly seen in our area. It is often most active in the evening. It flies with steady wing beats, the neck folded back, and the head drawn in between the shoulders. When hunting it wades careftilly into shallow water with its neck craned and bill poised, or it stands hunched up but alert, waiting for prey to come within range. It shoots out its bill at high speed spearing its prey, then with an upward jerk of the neck the prey is swallowed headfirst. It feeds on a range of aquatic animals, including fish, frogs and snakes. Its call is a deep harsh croak uttered in flight. It nests gregariously often in mixed heronries.

 A large grey and white heron with yellow beak and black head plumes.

 Nesting in colonies. Captive birds' nesting is recorded in Kerala also.  Nest is a strong platform with sturdy twigs. Nest in colonies with other birds.

 90 - 98cm

Usually found in estuaries, marshes, sea shore and lakes. Its wade slowly in shallow waters or sometimes  wait motionless for the prey, or slowly stalk it. Normally feeds on fishes and other aquatic creatures. Occasionally eat birds, small mammals and reptiles.

Affects beels, marshes, rivers, lakes, estuaries, mangroves, coral reefs and offshore islands.

IUCN Redlist Status: Least Concern