Purple Heron
Purple Herons feed mainly on fish, but will also eat insects, amphibians, and occasionally shellfish, small mammals, reptiles and even small birds.
Purple Herons are shy and solitary hunters, and appear to hunt mostly at night continuing into the early morning. They don't often wade in deep water and prefer to stand-and-wait in cover, staying motionless for long periods in shallow water or perched on low dense trees and bushes. Their slim bills are large and strong enough to kill even large snakes. Their long necks give them a long and powerful reach.
Mangrove and wetland wildlife at
Sungei Buloh Nature Park
Main features: Tall (90-97cm). Plumage purplish-brown; long black crest; neck snakelike, white or cream with black line down the sides; bill yellow; legs and toes orange-yellow.
Breast plumes pendulous in breeding adults. Genders look alike.
Juvenile: Dull brown plumage; lacks crest, breast plumes and black markings; streaked neck and underparts.
Call: Described as a loud resonant croak kranck; a staccato kar-kar-kar at the nest or when taking off.
In flight: Blackish flight feathers, little contrast with dark grey-brown wings and back.
Status in Singapore: Common resident and winter visitor throughout the island, as well as North and South offshore islands.
World distribution: Throughout the Old World in the tropical and warm temperate zones. Not found in Australia.
Classification: Family Ardeidae. World 65 species, Singapore 17 species.
One reason for their shyness could be because Grey Herons (Ardea cinera) often steal the Purple Herons' catch when they are hunting close to each other. Purple Herons become even more shy during breeding season, preferring to hunt near cover. Purple Herons defend their feeding territory from each other by aggressively puffing out neck feathers and raising crests.
Purple Heron
Purple Herons feed mainly on fish, but will also eat insects, amphibians, and occasionally shellfish, small mammals, reptiles and even small birds.
Purple Herons are shy and solitary hunters, and appear to hunt mostly at night continuing into the early morning. They don't often wade in deep water and prefer to stand-and-wait in cover, staying motionless for long periods in shallow water or perched on low dense trees and bushes. Their slim bills are large and strong enough to kill even large snakes. Their long necks give them a long and powerful reach.
Mangrove and wetland wildlife at
Sungei Buloh Nature Park
Main features: Tall (90-97cm). Plumage purplish-brown; long black crest; neck snakelike, white or cream with black line down the sides; bill yellow; legs and toes orange-yellow.
Breast plumes pendulous in breeding adults. Genders look alike.
Juvenile: Dull brown plumage; lacks crest, breast plumes and black markings; streaked neck and underparts.
Call: Described as a loud resonant croak kranck; a staccato kar-kar-kar at the nest or when taking off.
In flight: Blackish flight feathers, little contrast with dark grey-brown wings and back.
Status in Singapore: Common resident and winter visitor throughout the island, as well as North and South offshore islands.
World distribution: Throughout the Old World in the tropical and warm temperate zones. Not found in Australia.
Classification: Family Ardeidae. World 65 species, Singapore 17 species.
One reason for their shyness could be because Grey Herons (Ardea cinera) often steal the Purple Herons' catch when they are hunting close to each other. Purple Herons become even more shy during breeding season, preferring to hunt near cover. Purple Herons defend their feeding territory from each other by aggressively puffing out neck feathers and raising crests.