grey body; large orange bill; black shoulder (South Africa; 2007-06-30)


Grey Heron
Ardea cinerea

Native Range: Africa, Eurasia, and Oriental Region

Notes: the geographically widespread Old World counterpart of North America's Great Blue Heron, with a very similar appearance and behavior.

like all herons, tucks neck back on shoulders in flight (Spain; 2008-09-10)
acting stoic as it stands in cold water (Luxemborg; 2007-10-19)

black swath above eye; lighter crown; dark legs (Luxemborg; 2007-10-19)
yellow iris; thin plumes extend from neck, back (Luxemborg; 2007-10-19)