The Grey Heron (Ardea cinerea)

Shape:
Total length 88-98cm. Wingspan 150-170cm.

Ecology:
They live in rivers, lakes, wetlands, mudflats and rice fields. Although they are diurnal, during the breeding season, they may feed at night and during the day. During the non-breeding season, they live alone, but several of these species may gather in the same roost or mix with the nests of Little Egrets. Sometimes, they sunbathe with their wings outstretched and lowered.

Relationship with humans:
Because they eat farmed fish, they are sometimes considered a pest.

They are more wary of humans than other birds, and most wild species will fly away if they make eye contact, but some species in some tourist areas are habituated to humans.
It has an extensive distribution and is considered at low risk of extinction in 2019.

In Japan, breeding sites are limited and are found mainly along the Sea of Japan. In 1978, a survey conducted by the then Environment Agency identified 18 breeding sites, and some breeding sites, such as Saruga Shrine, have disappeared. On the other hand, breeding numbers in the Kanto region have been increasing since the 1990s. For example, breeding was first confirmed in Kanagawa Prefecture in 1995.