Szczudłak zwyczajny, grey heron (Ardea cinerea) is a long-legged predatory wading bird of the heron family. The grey heron is found in Europe Asia and also parts of Africa, but some populations from the northern parts migrate southwards in autumn. A bird of wetland areas, it can be seen around lakes, rivers, ponds, marshes and on the sea coast. It feeds mostly on aquatic creatures which it catches after standing stationary beside or in the water or stalking its prey through the shallows.

Standing up to a metre tall, adults weigh from 1 to 2 kg.

The Herons usually building their nests high in trees. Live about five years.