The grey heron is a medium-sized wading bird

It’s summertime in the city. This usually means long, hot days and crowded streets, but it can also mean a lot of unexpected encounters with wildlife.

The search for water is a big part of nature’s plan, and this often means that animals are looking for sources of water where humans live. And while many people might think that wildlife is just cute—especially when they see them close up—they should always remember to keep their distance and be respectful of other species. Here are some tips on how to make sure your summer day doesn’t end as an animal encounter gone wrong! 

The grey heron is a medium-sized wading bird in the family Ardeidae. The species has been referred to as "the most pleasantly named of all European birds" and it has been given the nickname "slender blue crane". It is easily recognisable by its long, slender neck. The grey heron dwells near water in temperate and tropical regions and feeds on insects, frogs, crustaceans and small fish. Males typically stand up to 1 m (3 ft 3 in) tall with females being a bit smaller at 50 cm (1 ft 8 in). The average weight is about 1 kg (2 lb 3 oz). They mate for life and share incubation duties with the female only leaving the nest during night. The Grey heron is a wading bird of the heron family Ardeidae. It has a long thin neck and curved bill which it holds in an S-shape, to make it easier to catch fish. The Grey herons are found on every continent except for Antarctica. They are mostly found near water including lakes or rivers with plenty of vegetation. They are usually solitary birds, but they may gather in small groups during migration or if their nesting area becomes too crowded. Their call is like the sound of a squeaky pump! 

What are the different types of herons?

Herons are a group of water birds that belong to several genera in the family Ardeidae. There are three species of "true" or long-legged herons, which are members of the genus Ardea. These include: the Great Blue Heron (A. herodias), Little Blue Heron (A. caerulea), and Black-crowned Night-Heron (Nycticorax nycticorax). 

Most people think their long neck is what makes the Grey heron so recognizable. This may be true, but there’s also more to it. The long neck of the heron is one reason for its success, but there are other factors as well. Here's a look into why this bird has such a long neck and how it helps them survive in their habitat.