On the breeding of the Grey Heron Ardea cinerea in Algeria

During the period 2002–2012, we assessed the breeding status of the Grey Heron Ardea cinerea in Algeria by surveying all the major wetlands in the region. We located two distinct breeding sites; one of them was recorded for the first time. We also investigated nest site selection, measured breeding parameters and derived a growth curve for developing chicks. Although wintering Grey Herons increased in numbers in the region, the number of breeding pairs did not change markedly over the past century. The reasons for the scarcity of Grey Heron breeding pairs in Algeria and in the rest of North Africa are discussed.