grey heron (ardea cinerea) resting among rocks : (pix sanjiv shukla)

grey heron ardea cinerea long-legged bird predatory wading family ardeidae migrate wetland lake river pond marsh coast aquatic animal water prey shallows tall white head neck black stripe crest body wing grey long pointed beak heronry nest tree ancient egypt deity bennu rome large plumage ashy-grey flanks feather pinkish-yellow straight iris yellow leg brown colony flyer flight s-shaped aerial apex predator ecosystem fish amphibian mammal insect stand motionless roost palearctic region europe asia africa