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.

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References and further reading

A First Guide to South African Birds - 7th Edition - Author: Leonard Gill - Year Published: 1975 - Page: 172

Birds 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

List of South African Birds