Grey Heron (Ardea cinerea)
These birds have been spotted in Medavakkam Lake and also in Perumbakkam Marshland. the Grey heron was occasionally spotted at Medavakkam Lake but in the Perumbakkam Marshland area, it was found with high frequency.
Grey Heron at Perumbakkam Marshland (Photo Credit: U Elaya Perumal)
Generally quite common and conspicuous in wetland habitats from marshes and tidal flats to small ponds, ditches, and wet fields; nests colonially in tall trees. Mainly seen as singles or in small groups, standing quietly in or at the edge of the water, less often hunting in fields. Plumage mostly gray overall, with a paler neck; the adult has a white crown, black eyebrows, and black shoulder patch. Like other herons and egrets, flies with necks pulled in to form a bulge.
Grey Heron at Perumbakkam Marshland (Photo Credit: U Elaya Perumal)
The grey heron is a long-legged predatory wading bird of the heron family, Ardeidae, native throughout temperate Europe and Asia and also parts of Africa. It is resident in much of its range, but some populations from the more northern parts migrate southwards in autumn (Wikipedia).
Grey Heron at Perumbakkam Marshland (Photo Credit: U Elaya Perumal)
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Pelecaniformes
Family: Ardeidae
Genus: Ardea
Species: A. cinerea
Binomial name: Ardea cinerea Linnaeus, 1758
