Gray Heron

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 water, less often hunting in fields. Plumage mostly gray overall, with paler neck; adult has white crown, black eyebrows, and black shoulder patch. Like other herons and egrets, flies with neck pulled in to form a bulge.

The gray heron in Sri Lanka lives in dry lowland marshes, lagoons, tanks, mangroves, and estuaries. They are also found in rivers, canals, ditches, and lakes.

Lots of fish, but also small birds such as ducklings, small mammals like voles and amphibians.