10 British Birds, with their Nests and Eggs 



Family— ARDEID^. 



The Purple Heron. 



Ardea purpurea, LiNN. 



THE Purple Heron is not distributed so widely, nor does it ever range so far 

 to the north as the Common Heron; but still it breeds in most parts of 

 Europe, south of the latitude of about 45° to 50° N., where such situations as it 

 can make its home are to be found ; and probably it extends into central Asia as 

 well. It is known to nest also in Northern Africa, and also in the Cape Colony. 

 It is not a resident, however, in Europe ; it only arrives in March, and, after 

 breeding, it migrates in September to warmer climes again. It never breeds in 

 the British Isles, but it is a not infrequent autumn visitor to the eastern counties 

 of England and Scotland. There is, however, only one record of its occurrence 

 in Ireland, namely near Carrickmacross, in county Monaghan. 



The Purple Heron in habits more resembles the Bittern than the Ardea cinerea. 

 It keeps more out of sight even in districts which it frequents than its congener. 

 The following account of its habits, given by Mr. Dresser, is so excellent that we 

 make no apology for quoting it. 



" The Purple Heron * * * affects localities where the water is still, not 

 flowing, and where the banks and shallow parts are covered with a tolerably dense 

 growth of flags and reeds, in which, by concealing itself, it trusts to escape the 

 notice of its enemies. It does not, however, inhabit the dense, almost inaccessible 

 reed- forests where the Bittern feels itself so much at home, but is usually met 

 with in places where there are open spaces between the water plants, where the 

 water is not too deep, and in marshy places where there is a mixed growth of 

 willow bushes and high grass or reeds. I never recollect to have seen one standing 

 boldly out on the edge of the water as the Common Heron so frequently does, 

 but have flushed them when making my way quietly through the reeds. * * *. 

 It is a lighter, smaller, and rather more graceful bird than the Common Heron; 

 but in its usual mode of progression, both on foot and on the wing, it much 

 resembles that species." 



The Purple Heron dozes during the brighter hours of the day, and feeds 

 early in the morning and especially in the evening. Its food consists largely of 



