Grey heron / Graureiher (Ardea cinerea)

Graureiher auf dem Flachsee. 2026-04-30 09:52:18 Flachsee am Reuss

Observations

First documented observation: 2019-11-22 in Switzerland. Most recent observation: 2026-05-26 in Switzerland.

Description

Classification: Genus Great herons (Ardea); Family Herons (Ardeidae)
General: Frequent visitor.
General: Normally in the fields looking for food, also seen flying over or standing in the Luppmen (brook).
General: Deutschland: Brut-, Jahres-, Zugvogel, Wintergast
Vocalization: Quite vocal. At breeding ground a varied repertoire of harsh and clattering sounds. [Link]

Seasonal behavior

Year-round bird
Breeding: 02-01 - 08-29
Migration in: 02-01 - 04-11
Migration out: 07-10 - 10-27
More details at Vogelwarte.ch

Other Details

Physical details

Physical details: length=90-98 cm, wingspan=175-195 cm, weight=1020-2073 g
Habitats: Wetland

Vocalisation

Song: No details but a Xeno-Canto recording.
Song attributes: Frequency:
Birdweather-Gray Heron call. Greater Fehraltorf 2024-11-01 08:26:54 ♫ 2024-11-01 08:26:54 Source: BIRDWEATHER 20241101_082654-Birdweather-Gray_Heron call.mp3 Greater Fehraltorf (call)

Calls: Most common call a short, far reaching and extremely harsh, rasping sound. [Link] General: Mechanical-sounding sort-of-a-quack
Call: Quite vocal. Most common call a short, far reaching and extremely harsh, rasping sound. At breeding ground a varied repertoire of harsh and clattering sounds. [Link]
XC876171 - Grey Heron - Ardea cinerea - call - Manyeleti Game Reserve, South Africa.

XC876171 - Grey Heron - Ardea cinerea - call - Manyeleti Game Reserve, South Africa. South Africa ♫ Source: XENOCANTO XC876171 - Grey Heron - Ardea cinerea - call - Manyeleti Game Reserve, South Africa.mp3 (call)


Call attributes: Call melody: non-musical, slow, Frequency: low (1-3 KHz), Special sounds: rasp.