Scientific Name: Ardea purpurea
Malay Name: Pucung Serandau
Chinese Name: 草鹭
Range:
Found from Africa, Europe, Central Asia, Middle East, Indian subcontinent, China to Southeast Asia with some northern populations winter south
Taxonomy:
Polytypic. Subspecies are: purpurea, bournei, madagascariensis, manilensis.
Local Subspecies: manilensis
Size: 78-90 cm
Identification:
Adult has black crown, black nape-plumes, rufous-chestnut neck with bold black lines down head-sides and neck, dark chestnut-maroon belly/flanks/vent/underwing-coverts, greyish upperparts and mostly yellowish-orange bill/legs/feet. Juvenile resembles adult but has brownish-orange overall plumage and lacks the bold black lines down head-sides/neck.
Similar looking species: Grey Heron, Great-billed Heron
Habitat: Well-vegetated freshwater wetlands, marshes, lakes and occasionally coastal wetlands and mangroves.
Behaviour/Ecology: Often stays hidden in reedbeds or dense vegetation for long periods of time.
Local Status: Uncommon resident
Conservation Status: Least Concern (BirdLife International 2019)
Location: Sungei Buloh, Kranji Marsh, Bishan Park, Central Catchment Forest, Lorong Halus, Pulau Ubin and any patch of suitable habitat.
Photos:
External Links:
Conservation Status: IUCN Red List Page
Photos: Oriental Bird Images
Sound Recordings: xeno-canto Link
Wikipedia Entry: Wikipedia Link
References:
BirdLife International. (2019). Ardea purpurea. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2019. Downloaded on 2 September 2021
Robson, C. (2008). A Field Guide to the Birds of South-East Asia. New Holland Publishers.