Grey Heron

Habitat: The Grey Heron nests in all types of trees at a relatively short distance from suitable foraging areas. In polder areas, small polder woods and duck decoys seem to attract large numbers of herons. Park habitats are also very suitable, and many of the largest colonies are found in such areas. Smaller colonies are found in Canadian forests, marshy areas, alder thickets and even in the middle of pine forests. The blue heron is therefore not very choosy when it comes to breeding sites, and it can be said that the proximity of suitable foraging areas is the main requirement for the breeding biotope.

Appearance: Fairly numerous breeding bird in Europe. The largest European heron. Fairly numerous breeding bird in Belgium and the Netherlands – year bird – partially migratory – passage migrant and winter visitor in fairly large to large numbers.

Breeding season: March – July, colonies in trees, 3 – 5 eggs.

Characteristics: Length 84 – 102 cm, wingspan 155 – 175 cm, weight 1020 – 2070 grams, age 35 years.

Food: Fish, amphibians and small mammals.