Purple Heron

A slim, dark relative of the Grey Heron. It has deep reddish-brown and grey plumage. Bold black stripes run down its exceptionally long, thin neck. It is a summer visitor to Southern and Central Europe. It breeds in extensive reedbeds. It is a secretive bird and prefers to remain hidden within dense vegetation.

The Purple Heron is perfectly adapted for life in the reeds. Its long toes help it walk over floating plants. It often adopts a 'bittern-like' pose by stretching its neck upward to blend in. It hunts fish, amphibians, and insects. Its dark plumage makes it a challenge to spot unless it takes flight.