Grey heron in Dublin Ireland. The grey heron (Ardea cinerea) is a large, long-legged wading bird of the heron family, Ardeidae. It is found in Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia. Grey herons are typically 85–100 cm (33–39 in) long, with a wingspan of 155–195 cm (61–77 in) and a weight of 1.0–2.1 kg (2.2–4.6 lb). They have a greyish-white body with black on the flanks, a long neck, and a long, pointed bill.