* Fish: This is their main food source, and they're particularly good at catching fish in shallow water.
* Amphibians: Frogs, toads, and newts are all on the menu for Grey Herons.
* Reptiles: Small snakes, lizards, and turtles can be part of their diet.
* Small mammals: Mice, rats, voles, and even young rabbits can be caught by Grey Herons.
* Birds: They'll eat small birds, especially chicks and nestlings, and sometimes even adult birds.
* Insects: Grey Herons will also eat large insects like beetles and grasshoppers.
* Crustaceans: Crayfish, crabs, and other crustaceans are occasionally eaten.
They typically hunt by standing still in shallow water and waiting for prey to come close, or by wading through water and probing the mud with their beaks. They also sometimes hunt by flying over water and diving to catch fish.
Grey herons are important predators in their ecosystem, helping to control populations of fish and other animals. They also play a role in nutrient cycling, as their droppings can enrich the soil.