Grey Heron

Ardea cinerea 90-98cm

Saambal Kokku in Tamil (சாம்பல் கொக்கு)

Resident, passage migrant and winter visitor. Widespread. In flight, black flight feathers contrast with grey upperwing and underwing coverts. Adult has yellow bill, whitish head and neck with black head plumes, and black patches on belly. In breeding season, has whitish scapular plumes and bill and legs become orange or reddish. Immature has dark cap with variable crest, and greyer neck; lacks or has reduced black on belly. Inland and coastal waters.