Grey Heron: Mangalajodi Magic

[Satyabrata Mishra]

Grey Heron: Mangalajodi

Canon 40D, 100-400 L IS, f/7.1, 1/3200, ISO 400, Focal Length 400mm, Aperture Priority

The Grey Heron (Ardea cinerea), is a wading bird of the heron family Ardeidae.

Field Identification.
It is a large bird, standing 90-100 cm tall, with a 175-195 cm wingspan and a weight of 1-2 kg. Its plumage is largely grey above, and off-white below. Adults have a white head with a broad black supercilium and slender crest, while immatures have a dull grey head. It has a powerful, pinkish-yellow bill, which is brighter in breeding adults. It has a slow flight, with its long neck retracted (S-shaped). This is characteristic of herons and bitterns, and distinguishes them from storks, cranes and spoonbills, which extend their necks.