What is the difference between the Grey Heron (Ardea cinerea) and the Black-Headed Heron (Ardea melanocephala).

The Grey Heron and the Black-Headed Heron are both large wading birds from the wetlands of Africa.

The Grey Heron has light grey feathers, whereas the Black-Headed Heron has darker grey feathers.

Grey Heron (left) and Black-Headed Heron (right)

The Grey Heron has a white head with a black crest, whereas the Black-Headed Heron has a black and white head with a black crest.

The Grey Heron has a yellow beak and brown legs, whereas the Black-Headed Heron has a dark grey beak and grey legs.

Grey Heron

Black-Headed Heron

Photographer: Martina Nicolls

Martina Nicolls: SIMILAR BUT DIFFERENT IN THE ANIMAL KINGDOM