Hyde Park London Waterfowl

Large, long-legged wading bird found along the Serpentine margins and lawns picking fish and amphibians from shallow water. Often stands motionless at the edge before striking, and can be seen roosting in trees or on footpaths.

Tall, grey body with white underparts, long legs and dagger-like bill; a black stripe runs from eye to nape and long plumes on the neck in breeding season.

Common Confusions

• Little Egret Egretta garzetta Little egret is much smaller, all-white with black legs and yellow feet; grey heron is larger and grey-bodied with a long S-neck.
• Great Egret Ardea alba Great egret is all white, taller and slimmer, with a yellow bill unlike the grey heron’s darker bill.
• Night Heron Nycticorax nycticorax Night heron is stockier, active at dusk/night and shows different head patterning.