The grey heron (Ardea cinerea) is a large, long-legged, predatory waterbird having a grey back, a long white neck, a bright yellow bill, and a black eye stripe that extends into long, drooping feathers. They are a common and conspicuous sight in various wetland environments, including marshes, tidal flats, ponds, and rivers.
They hunt by standing stock-still in shallow water, patiently waiting for prey such as fish, frogs, and other small animals. When flying, they retract their long neck into an S-shape, with their legs stretched out behind them.
More information from Birdlife International:-
https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/grey-heron-ardea-cinerea
It is very common throughout Seberang Perai, prefering coastal mudflats and marshes, although they can be found in inland wetlands, like paddy field. There is a huge nesting colony at the Teluk Air Tawar – Kuala Muda coast IBA, with nest estimated to be five-hundred. Nests are found throughout the coastal mangroves of SPTengah and Selatan also.
At Teluk Air Tawar – Kuala Muda: a resident that nests in the mangroves. MNS counted about 50 nests in November 2024. See When to see shorebirds at Teluk Air Tawar – Kuala Muda.
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