The grey heron (Ardea cinerea), found throughout Sri Lanka’s dry zone, is most commonly seen perched on branches near brackish lagoons, large reservoirs, and river estuaries. These herons, characterised by their distinctive grey and white plumage and pinkish-yellow bill, wade in shallow waters to hunt fish, which make up the majority of their diet, along with small animals like birds and reptiles. Large fish are carried ashore and beaten on rocks before consumption, while smaller fish are swallowed immediately.