The Purple Heron or scientifically known as Ardea purpurea is a secretive bird, spending less time out in the open and prefers densely vegetated habitats near water bodies. This species feeds by hunting on a range of preys which includes fish, rodents, frogs and insects by patiently stalking, standing motionless and waiting for ambush. The Purple Heron is a large bird with a standing height up to 94 cm and a wingspan of up to 152 cm. Just like other herons, its flight is slow and its neck retracted to an S-shape with legs extending behind its tail. An adult Purple Heron have black forehead and crown of the head, with dark stripe down the back of its neck. It has buffish-chestnut head and neck with striking black stripes down the sides of its neck and elongated feathers which are streaked with white, chestnut and black at the base of its neck. The Purple Heron has brownish-grey upperparts and tail with chestnut brown breast and black belly and under-tail coverts. Its juveniles are duller with beige and brown chest and lacking the neck stripes and extended plumage.