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.

Roberts Birds Names by Edition

Edition	Roberts nr	Scientific name
1st	57	Pyrrherodia purpurea purpurea
2nd	57	Ardea purpurea
3rd	57	Ardea purpurea
4th	57	Ardea purpurea
5th	65	Ardea purpurea
6th	65	Ardea purpurea
7th	441	Ardea purpurea

Edition	Roberts nr	English name
1st	57	Purple Heron
2nd	57	Purple Heron
3rd	57	Purple Heron
4th	57	Purple Heron
5th	65	Purple Heron
6th	65	Purple Heron
7th	441	Purple Heron

Edition	Roberts nr	Afrikaans name
1st	57	Rooi-reier
2nd	57	Rooi Reier
3rd	57	Rooi Reier
4th	57	Rooi Reier
5th	65	Rooireier
6th	65	Rooireier
7th	441	Rooireier

References and further reading

Wildlife of Southern Africa - Author: Martin Withers and David Hosking - Published: 2011 - Page: 30

Wading Birds of the World - Revised edition - Author: Eric and Richard Soothill - Published: 1989 - Page: 26

The Herons Handbook - Author: James Hancock and James Kushlan - Published: 1984 - Page: 81

The Birds of South Africa - 1st Edition - Author: Dr. Austin Roberts - Published: 1949 - Page: 21

Southern African Bird Names Explained - Author: Charles Clinning - Published: 1989 - Page: 18

Sasol Birds of Southern Africa - 1st Edition - Author: Ian Sinclair et al. - Published: 1993 - Page: 56

Sasol Birds of Southern Africa - 4th Edition - Author: Ian Sinclair et al. - Published: 2011 - Page: 60

Roberts Birds of Southern Africa - 6th Edition - Author: Gordon Lindsay Maclean - Published: 1993 - Page: 47

Roberts Birds of Southern Africa - 5th Edition - Author: Gordon Lindsay Maclean - Published: 1985 - Page: 47

Roberts Birds of South Africa - 4th Edition - Author: McLachlan and Liversidge - Published: 1981 - Page: 34

Roberts Birds of South Africa - 3rd Edition - Author: McLachlan and Liversidge - Published: 1975 - Page: 28

Roberts Bird Guide - Author: Hugh Chittenden - Published: 2007 - Page: 178

Roberts Birds of South Africa - 2nd edition - Author: McLachlan and Liversidge - Published: 1957 - Page: 22

Newmans Birds of Southern Africa - 7th Edition - Author: Ken Newman - Published: 2000 - Page: 74

Questions and Answers - Birds of Southern Africa - Author: Deirdre Richards - Published: 1990 - Page: 3

Newmans Birds of Southern Africa - 1st Edition - Author: Ken Newman - Published: 1984 - Page: 74

Ian Sinclairs Field Guide to the Birds of Southern Africa - 2nd Edition - Author: Ian Sinclair - Published: 1988 - Page: 52

Freshwater Life - Author: C. Griffiths, J. Day & M. Picker - Published: 2015 - Page: 52

Field Guide to the Birds of Kruger National Park - Author: Ian Sinclair and Ian Whyte - Published: 1991 - Page: 26

Common Birds of the North Coast - Author: Bing Comrie - Published: 2005 - Page: 5

Birds of the Transvaal - Author: Tarboton, Kemp and Kemp - Published: 1987 - Page: 15

Collins Illustrated Checklist - Birds of Southern Africa - 1st edition - Author: Ber van Perlo - Published: 1999 - Page: 8

Birds of the Transkei - Author: C.D. Quickelberge - Published: 1989 - Page: 29

Bird Atlas of Natal - Author: Digby Cyrus and Nigel Robson - Published: 1980 - Page: 39

Birds of Southern Africa - Kruger National Park - Author: Kenneth Newman - Published: 1985 - Page: 20

Birds of the South Western Cape - Author: Joy Frandsen - Published: 0 - Page: 21

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

A Field Guide to the Birds of Southern Africa - 2nd Edition - Author: O.P.M. Prozesky - Published: 1983 - Page: 39

A First Guide to South African Birds - 6th Edition - Author: Leonard Gill - Published: 1959 - Page: 172

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