Purple Heron
Afrikaans name: Rooireier

Purple Heron
Photo © Steven Herbert
Ardea purpurea
The Purple Heron has a widespread distribution - it is found in Africa and parts of Europe and Asia.
It is a large bird reaching a height of around 90 cm when standing. Despite it being a tall bird it weighs around a kilogram or less.
The Purple Heron eats frogs, fish, small mammals and insects. It normally hunts in shallow water.
These herons breed in colonies in trees or reedbeds. They make a nest out of sticks. The breeding colonies are always near water.
References and further reading
A First Guide to South African Birds - 7th Edition - Author: Leonard Gill - Year Published: 1975 - Page: 172Birds of the South Western Cape - Author: Joy Frandsen - Year Published: - Page: 21
Collins Illustrated Checklist - Birds of Southern Africa - 1st edition - Author: Ber van Perlo - Year Published: 1999 - Page: 8
Field Guide to the Birds of Kruger National Park - Author: Ian Sinclair and Ian Whyte - Year Published: 1991 - Page: 26
Roberts' Birds of Southern Africa - 5th Edition - Author: Gordon Lindsay Maclean - Year Published: 1985 - Page: 47
Roberts' Birds of Southern Africa - 6th Edition - Author: Gordon Lindsay Maclean - Year Published: 1993 - Page: 47
Sasol Birds of Southern Africa - 4th Edition - Author: Ian Sinclair et al. - Year Published: 2011 - Page: 60