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Photo: Alexis Lours · CC BY 4.0 · source ↗
Grey Heron
Bloureier · Ardea cinerea
A tall, patient grey waterbird, the Grey Heron stands as still as a statue at the water's edge, waiting for fish to swim close. Then its long neck shoots out in a flash to grab a meal. It has a pale head with a black stripe over the eye and a sharp yellow bill, and flies with slow, lazy wingbeats.
Log your Grey Heron sighting — free →How to identify it
Look for the mostly grey body, white head with a black eye-stripe ending in a small plume, and dagger-like yellow bill.
Listen for its call
A harsh, loud 'fraaank' croak, usually as it flushes and flies off.
Where to see it in Kruger
Found along all the major rivers and dams, including the Sabie, Olifants and Crocodile Rivers.
Did you know
A Grey Heron can stand perfectly frozen for many minutes, then strike its prey faster than you can see!
Often confused with
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