A stealthy stalker of reeds and marshes, this tall wader brings a splash of royal colour to wetlands worldwide.

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

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Resident
Breeding
Non-breeding
Passage
Vagrant

Distribution by Region

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Behaviour and Ecology

Bird Attributes

Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.

Agility 75
Strength 60
Adaptability 80
Aggressiveness 40
Endurance 70

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.

Lifespan

Typical Lifespan Range 4 - 6 years
Max Recorded Lifespan 25 years [1]
0
7
14
20
27

years

The Purple Heron typically lives for 4 to 6 years, with a maximum recorded lifespan of 25 years.

Like all birds, lifespan can be affected by factors including predation, habitat quality, disease, and access to food sources.

Conservation and Status

Global Conservation Status

Least Concern [2]

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.

Population Data

Global Population Estimate

270,000 - 570,000 individuals [3]

Global Population Trend

Decreasing[4]

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

Other names:

Eastern Purple Heron

Family:

Ardeidae

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?

  1. Purple Herons can stand motionless for long periods while hunting, demonstrating remarkable patience.
  2. Their eyes are positioned to allow binocular vision when looking downward, aiding in precise prey capture.
  3. Despite their name, Purple Herons are more grey than purple, with the 'purple' appearance most noticeable in certain light conditions.

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References

  1. 2

    website: BirdLife International. 2019. Ardea purpurea. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2019: e.T22697031A154816177.

    View source
  2. 3 4

    report, 2015: Wetlands International

  3. 1

    website, 2010: Fransson et al., EURING list of longevity records for European birds

    View source