Purple Heron

Ardea purpurea

Family: Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns · Status: Common resident · Size: 78–90 cm · Conservation: Least Concern

Range

Occurs from Africa and Europe through Central Asia, the Middle East, and India through China to Southeast Asia; some northern populations winter south.

Identification

Adult has black crown, black nape-plumes, rufous-chestnut neck with bold black lines down head-sides and neck, dark chestnut-maroon underparts, greyish upperparts and mostly yellowish-orange bill, legs and feet. Juvenile has brownish-orange overall plumage and lacks the bold black lines down head-sides and neck.

Habitat

Well-vegetated freshwater wetlands, marshes, lakes and occasionally coastal wetlands and mangroves.

Behaviour

Often stays hidden in reedbeds or dense vegetation for long periods of time.