Purple Heron
Ardea purpurea
Visual Identification
Appearance
The Purple Heron is a tall, slender wading bird with distinctive colouration. Its long neck and body are primarily purplish-grey, with a darker back and wings. The head features a black crown and crest, with a striking black stripe extending down the neck.
Both sexes look primarily similar, with females generally smaller, sometimes lighter, and paler. There are no significant seasonal changes in plumage.
Juveniles have a more muted plumage, lacking the vibrant purple tones of adults. They display a rufous-brown colouration with streaked necks and underparts.
Size
Length
78cm to 90cm
Wingspan
120cm to 150cm
Weight
500g to 1.4kg
Colours
Males and females have similar plumage
Primary Colour
Purple Grey Brown
Secondary Colour
Rufous White
Beak Colour
Yellow
Leg Colour
Yellow Brown
Habitat and Distribution
Habitats
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
Distribution
Purple Herons inhabit freshwater and brackish wetlands, including marshes, reedbeds, and the edges of lakes and slow-moving rivers. They are widely distributed across Europe, Africa, and Asia, with populations extending from Spain to Southeast Asia.
In Europe, they are summer visitors to countries like France, Spain, and Italy. Small breeding numbers have been reported in the UK, primarily in southeast England. Many European birds migrate to Africa during winter, while Asian populations move to warmer southern regions.
Elevation Range
Up to 1,800 meters
Climate zones
Tropical, Subtropical, Temperate
Distribution Map
This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Purple Heron. The coloured areas show countries where these birds have been seen.
A few things to keep in mind:
- Birds might not be everywhere in the coloured areas, for example, they may be present around the coast of that country
- Where birds live can change with seasons and available food
- This map is quite simple - it doesn't show exact locations
We're working on making our maps even better! Soon, we hope to show you:
- More detailed maps for bigger countries, including state and region
- How birds move around during different seasons
Distribution by Region
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
This feature is in beta. We'd love your feedback to improve it!
Share your thoughtsBird Attributes Explained
Our bird attributes system rates various aspects of a bird's capabilities on a scale of 0-100, based on data from field observations, scientific studies, and expert knowledge.
Attribute Categories:
- Agility: Manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
- Strength: Physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
- Adaptability: Ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
- Aggressiveness: Territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
- Endurance: Stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
Understanding the Ratings:
- 0-20: Very Low
- 21-40: Low
- 41-60: Average
- 61-80: High
- 81-100: Very High
Remember, these attributes are relative to other bird species and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Hover over the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Agility
Reflects the bird's manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
The Purple Heron demonstrates considerable agility in its hunting technique, with the ability to stand motionless for long periods and strike quickly at prey. Its long neck and legs allow for precise movements in dense vegetation and shallow water.
Strength
Indicates the bird's physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
Whilst not exceptionally strong for its size, the Purple Heron possesses sufficient strength to handle a variety of prey, including fish, amphibians, and small mammals. Its large size (up to 90 cm in length) and ability to carry materials for nest building indicate moderate strength.
Adaptability
Represents the bird's ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
Purple Herons show high adaptability, inhabiting various wetland environments across Europe, Africa, and Asia. Their ability to thrive in both freshwater and brackish habitats, coupled with their diverse diet, demonstrates significant adaptability to different ecological conditions.
Aggressiveness
Measures the bird's territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
Generally, Purple Herons are not particularly aggressive birds. They tend to be solitary and secretive, avoiding confrontation where possible. However, they may display some aggression during breeding season when defending nests or competing for mates.
Endurance
Reflects the bird's stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
The Purple Heron's endurance is evidenced by its long-distance migratory behaviour, with European populations travelling to Africa for winter. Their ability to stand motionless for extended periods while hunting and their relatively long lifespan (15-20 years) also suggest good endurance.
Diet
Purple Herons are opportunistic feeders. They primarily consume fish, amphibians, and aquatic insects. They also eat small mammals, reptiles, and occasionally other birds.
They are a crepuscular species, feeding mainly at dawn and dusk and resting during the day and night. Their long, slender necks and sharp beaks are perfectly adapted for quick strikes at prey in shallow water or among reeds.
Studies in France over the past twenty years indicate a shift from a mainly fish-based diet to one that now consists of more insects, such as beetles, dragonflies, and bugs.
Behaviour
Purple Herons are solitary hunters. They are often seen standing motionless in shallow water, waiting to strike at prey with their long, sharp beaks. They are more secretive than other heron species, preferring to stay hidden in dense vegetation.
During the breeding season, they become more social, forming loose colonies with other herons and egrets.
Vocalisation
Purple Herons are generally quiet birds but vocalise during breeding season and when alarmed. Their most common call is a harsh, guttural 'frarnk' or 'kraak'.
During courtship, they produce a series of grunting and croaking sounds. They may emit a sharp, barking 'kek-kek-kek' alarm call when disturbed.
Nesting & Breeding
Purple Herons typically breed between April and July. They form monogamous pairs and often nest in loose colonies with other heron species. Males perform elaborate courtship displays to attract females, including neck stretching and bill clapping.
Nests are large platforms of sticks and reeds, usually built low in dense vegetation over water. Females lay 3-5 pale blue-green eggs, which both parents incubate for about 25-27 days.
Chicks hatch asynchronously and are cared for by both parents. They fledge after 45-50 days but may return to the nest for several more weeks to be fed.
Conservation and Status
Global Conservation Status
While listed as Least Concern globally, Purple Herons face localised threats from habitat loss and degradation.
Wetland conservation efforts, particularly in Europe and parts of Asia, are crucial for maintaining stable populations. Climate change and water pollution also pose potential long-term risks to their habitats.
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for Purple Herons in dense reedbeds and marshes
- Listen for their distinctive 'frarnk' call, especially at dawn and dusk
- Observe their slow, deliberate movements when hunting
- In the UK, visit wetland reserves in East Anglia for the best chance of spotting them
Additional Information
Quick Facts
Predators
Adult Purple Herons have few natural predators, but eggs and chicks are vulnerable to corvids, raptors, and mammals such as foxes and raccoons.
Did You Know?
- Purple Herons can stand motionless for long periods while hunting, demonstrating remarkable patience.
- Their eyes are positioned to allow binocular vision when looking downward, aiding in precise prey capture.
- Despite their name, Purple Herons are more grey than purple, with the 'purple' appearance most noticeable in certain light conditions.
References
- 1
website: BirdLife International. 2019. Ardea purpurea. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2019: e.T22697031A154816177.
View source - 2 3
report, 2015: Wetlands International
- 4
website, 2010: Fransson et al., EURING list of longevity records for European birds
View source
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