About the Gray Heron
The Gray Heron (Ardea cinerea) is a species of bird in the Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns family (Ardeidae), within the order Pelecaniformes. This family contains 74 recognized species worldwide.
Use the eBird species code graher1 when logging sightings in eBird or other citizen science platforms.
Taxonomy & Classification
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Pelecaniformes |
| Family | Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns (Ardeidae) |
| Species | Ardea cinerea |
| Species Codes | graher1, GRAH, GRHE |
Frequently Asked Questions
What family does the Gray Heron belong to?
The Gray Heron (Ardea cinerea) belongs to the Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns family (Ardeidae), in the order Pelecaniformes.
How can I identify the Gray Heron?
The Gray Heron is a member of the Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns family. Check field guides or upload a photo to our AI Bird Identifier for help.
Where can I report a Gray Heron sighting?
You can log sightings of Gray Heron on eBird (ebird.org) using species code graher1, or on iNaturalist.
Related Species in Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns 74 species
More Birds in Order Pelecaniformes
(c) Frank Sengpiel, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Frank Sengpiel
Quick Stats
Pelecaniformes
Order
74
Species in Family
Spotted a Gray Heron?
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