Grey Heron: a two-minute wildlife lesson

Ducks, Geese and Grebes · day 6 of 7

Five facts

1. A GPS-tracked grey heron flew between Dongting Lake in China and its breeding site in Russia, by day and night, without using stopover sites.
2. Its main call is a loud, harsh croak that sounds like "fraaank".
3. A flying grey heron folds its long neck into an S-shape. Storks, cranes and spoonbills fly with necks stretched out.
4. Grey herons have moved into Dutch cities like Amsterdam. They still hunt, but also visit street markets and snack bars.
5. One adult grey heron managed to catch and swallow a sea trout weighing 680 g.

The quiz

1. Where did a GPS-tracked grey heron fly without using stopover sites?

• From China to Russia (correct)
• From Spain to Morocco
• From Britain to Iceland
• From Egypt to Kenya

It flew from Dongting Lake in China to its breeding site in Russia, by day and night, with no stopovers.

2. What is the grey heron's main call like?

• A soft whistle
• A high trill
• A deep hoot
• A loud croaking "fraaank" (correct)

Its main call is a loud croaking "fraaank".

3. How does a flying grey heron hold its neck?

• Stretched straight out
• Held upright
• Folded into an S-shape (correct)
• Tucked under a wing

It folds its long neck into an S-shape in flight.

4. Besides hunting, what do grey herons visit in Amsterdam?

• Cinemas
• Street markets and snack bars (correct)
• Libraries
• Swimming pools

In Amsterdam they still hunt, but also visit street markets and snack bars.

5. What did one adult grey heron catch and swallow?

• A sea trout weighing 680 g (correct)
• A rabbit weighing 680 g
• A duckling weighing 68 g
• A carp weighing 6.8 kg

One adult managed to catch and swallow a 680 g sea trout.

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