The Grey Heron stands 90cm tall and is the largest common bird in Britain, mainly grey with white neck and head with black crest. Flight is slow and majestic. It favours fresh water for feeding on fish, amphibians and small mammals. The heron is the top bird predator of the freshwater food pyramid giving a wide range of diet, but this makes it vulnerable to the build-up of toxic chemicals in the water. However, the number of heron pairs in England and Wales remains a stable 5000-6000. It nests in colonies, called heronries, usually in trees but sometimes in reed beds or cliffs. Once a heronry is established, the birds return year after year. Herons often fly long distances to find new sources of food during cold spells. A few British herons leave for France, Spain or Portugal, but the majority remain within 100 miles of their native heronry
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