Taxonomy
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Birds
Order: Pelecaniformes
Family: Ardei dae
Genus: Ardea
Species: Ardea cinerea
Conservation Status of the Species in Portugal and Worldwide
Portugal
World
Features and
Habits
In terms of size, it has a length of 90 to 98 cm and a wingspan of 175 to 195 cm. It is identified by its larger size compared to other herons. In terms of plumage, it is predominantly gray on the wings and has bluish stripes on its neck and head. It may also have a bluish crest. It is similar to the purple heron in color pattern, but the purple heron is reddish and slightly smaller. It flies like other herons with its neck retracted.
It feeds mainly on fish and sometimes reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates, and small mammals. Like other herons, it waits for the ideal moment to hunt. In terms of nesting, it builds nests in various types of trees, similar to those of storks. Between 3 and 6 eggs are laid. They are incubated for 25 to 28 days.
Habitat and Distribution
It is a common resident bird, found in Portugal throughout the year, generally dispersed across the country. It frequents various aquatic habitats, including estuaries, coastal lagoons, reservoirs, marshes, and rivers. It prefers the areas of large estuaries and is the heron most frequently sighted in inland rivers. The area where it is most easily observed is the Ria de Aveiro, followed by the Douro, Tagus, Mondego, and Guadiana rivers. Some pairs nest mainly in the southern interior of the country. However, many individuals nest in central Europe.
Places where I have photographed this species so far.
All Photographs Taken
