Purple Heron

4 days ago

Spotted

The Purple Heron is a large, slender heron with rich, reddish-purple plumage and a more secretive nature than the Grey Heron. It specializes in dense reedbeds and marshy habitats.

Where to spot

Found in Europe, Africa, and Asia, primarily in extensive freshwater wetlands with dense reedbeds, such as marshes, deltas, and large lakes.

How to spot

Look for its darker, more reddish plumage compared to the Grey Heron, and its more slender, 'snakier' neck. It is often very shy and keeps to dense cover. Observe from a distance with binoculars, looking for subtle movements within reedbeds.

When to spot

Migratory in temperate regions (Europe, parts of Asia), arriving in spring for breeding and departing in autumn. Resident in tropical Africa and parts of Asia. Most active at dawn and dusk.

Where to spot

Found in Europe, Africa, and Asia, primarily in extensive freshwater wetlands with dense reedbeds, such as marshes, deltas, and large lakes.

How to spot

When to spot

Migratory in temperate regions (Europe, parts of Asia), arriving in spring for breeding and departing in autumn. Resident in tropical Africa and parts of Asia. Most active at dawn and dusk.

Credits: wfvanvalkenburg

Credits: f_snarfel

Credits: Afbeelding van <a href="https://pixabay.com/nl/users/fleuber-7954782/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=image&utm_content=3375321">Bernard FLEURANDEAU</a> via <a href="https://pixabay.com/nl//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_med

Unlike the more generalist Grey Heron, the Purple Heron is a reedbed specialist, often using its exceptionally long, flexible toes to grip onto reeds while hunting, a unique adaptation among large herons for navigating dense vegetation.

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