Purple heron

The purple heron is a sleek, long-legged bird found in wetlands across Africa, Europe, and parts of Asia. It prefers to hide in thick reed beds near water, where it patiently hunts for fish, frogs, and insects. Though similar to the grey heron, it’s a bit smaller and sports darker, more striking plumage.

• It hunts by stalking prey or waiting silently in ambush.
• Prefers dense reed beds near water for nesting and hunting.
• Migrates between breeding and wintering grounds in Europe and Asia.