DISTRIBUTION:

The Purple Heron (Ardea purpurea) is natural to Europe, southern Asia and Africa, including Madagascar. Occasionally an individual reaches the Americas.

DISPLACEMENTS:

Some populations are migratory, others are sedentary. Those that nest in Europe and northern Africa migrate to equatorial Africa.

HABITAT:

Normally seen in the proximity of water, could be fresh water, brackish or saltwater.

BEHAVIOR:

Rests perched on trees.

REPRODUCTION:

This egret is a colonial breeder. Builds the nest in the trees on the water edge or in the water, and among the emerging aquatic grass. The clutch is three to four, documented up to five, light greenish blue eggs. Incubation takes about 26 days and it is done by both parents.

FOOD:

The diet consists of fish, frogs, small birds and small mammals.

DESCRIPTION:

In length it reaches 80 cm. The bill measures from 11.8 to 12.8 cm.

OTHER NAMES:

The Purple Heron in Spanish is called “Garza Imperial”.