The purple heron (Ardea purpurea) is a wide-ranging species of wading bird in the heron family…. The scientific name comes from Latin ardea “heron”, and purpureus, “coloured purple”.
It feeds solitarily by standing in water within dense emergent vegetation. It generally fishes in relatively deep water, up to its legs or even belly feathers. It assumes a horizontal posture and stares into the water for long periods with its bill kept close to the water surface. It Walks very slowly with a methodical gait, carefully placing its very long toes on the emergent or floating vegetation. It strikes at fish capturing them crossways in a scissor grip.
Its feeding appears to depend heavily on cover and it rarely leaves the cover of the reeds. It feeds most often crepuscularly, resting during the day and night.
Shot in Coorg. Nikon Gears, Dec 2025. © Dr.Bishan Monnappa
