Klaipeda District Tourism Information Center

6. Grey Heron

Size: Stork-sized (L84‒102 cm)

Life expectancy: 35‒37 years

Distribution: 2 000‒4 000 pairs

Breeding: Breeds on trees near water, usually in colonies. The nest resembles a platform made of branches that deepens towards the center. A grey heron's nest is used for many years and gradually becomes denser. The inside is covered with smaller twigs and grass roots. In reeds, the nest is made of reeds. Both are involved in building the nest - the male carries the branches, while the female installs. Usually 3‒5, less often - 6, and rarely 2‒7 eggs are hatched. Both parents incubate the eggs for 23‒28 days. Both parents are also engaged in feeding the young. The young crawl out of the nest onto nearby branches after 3‒4 weeks, but return to the nest for another 3 weeks for food. This is how they gradually become independent.

Appearance: Bluish grey with a dark band on the sides of the head. Longer neck feathers grow in spring. The head and neck are white with longitudinal stripes. Its yellowish beak is of medium length and it has dark legs with separate toes.