Common name: Grey Heron (Gray Heron)
Scientific name: Ardea cinerea
Family: Ardeidae

Size:
Body length: 90–100 cm
Wingspan: 175–195 cm
Weight: 1–2 kg

Identification:
A large, tall wading bird with long legs, a long neck, and a sharp, dagger-like yellow bill. The body is mostly grey, with a white head marked by a bold black stripe extending into a plume at the back. The neck is pale with black streaking. In flight, it shows broad wings, slow wingbeats, and flies with its neck retracted in an “S” shape.

Habitat:
Wetlands, lakes, rivers, coastal lagoons, estuaries, and marshes. Can also be found in urban water bodies.

Status in the UAE:
Common resident and winter visitor. Widely distributed across wetlands and coastal areas.

Diet:
Carnivorous — feeds mainly on fish, but also amphibians, reptiles, small mammals, and birds.

Behavior:
Often seen standing motionless in shallow water before striking rapidly at prey. Solitary hunter but may gather in loose groups. Nests in colonies (heronries), usually in trees near water. Flight is slow and powerful.

Conservation status:
Least Concern (IUCN Red List)