Purple Heron
Scientific Name: Ardea purpureaMaltese Name: Russett Ahmar
Family: Herons (Ardeidae)
Occurence: Regular
Breeds in Malta: No
Overview:
The Purple Heron is a slender, snaky-necked heron of reedbeds and dense marshes. It is somewhat smaller than the Grey Heron, from which it can be distinguished by its darker reddish-brown plumage, and, in adults, darker grey back. It has a narrower yellow bill, which is brighter in breeding adults. It is often hard to see as it prefers to hide in the reeds, unlike the Grey Heron.
The Purple Heron breeds in colonies in reed beds or trees close to large lakes or other extensive wetlands. It builds a bulky stick nest. It feeds in shallow water, spearing fish, frogs, insects, small mammals and reptiles. It will often wait motionless for prey, or slowly stalk its victim. It has a slow flight, with its neck retracted. The long neck of Purple Heron looks particularly snake-like, with more of an S-shape in flight. The call is a loud croaking "krek".
Status:
Regularly Seen during migration; some singles, some in flocks and some in mixed flocks with other herons, mainly Grey Heron.
When to See:
August till November. Late February till May.
Where to See:
May be seen flying over from anywhere during migration. They are also sometimes seen at Simar and Ghadira Nature Reserves, especially in bad wheather.
Photographs:
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Purple Heron at Ghadira Nature Reserve |
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| Purple Herons over Simar Nature Reserve | Purple Heron at Simar Nature Reserve |
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Purple Heron st Simar Nature Reserve |
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