Planning a trip to Rietvlei Nature Reserve? Download opspoor to see recent sightings in the park and log your own.
When to see Purple Heron in Rietvlei Nature Reserve
Purple Heron are most active during the day (06:00 to 18:00).
This is Purple Heron's general behavior. Once enough sightings are logged in Rietvlei Nature Reserve, this page also shows when they're actually seen here.
About the Purple Heron
The purple heron is a large, slender wading bird associated with freshwater wetlands, reedbeds, marshes, rivers and lakes. It has a long neck, long legs and distinctive dark grey, purple-brown and chestnut plumage that provides excellent camouflage among reeds. It usually hunts alone, standing motionless or moving slowly through shallow water before striking fish, frogs, reptiles, insects and other small prey with its long pointed bill.
How to identify the Purple Heron
Large, slender heron with a long S-shaped neck, long pointed bill and long legs. Adults have a distinctive purple-brown neck and head, reddish-brown body and darker grey wings. Often appears slimmer and more elongated than the Grey Heron.
Other species to look for in Rietvlei Nature Reserve
Other parks where you can see Purple Heron
Heading to Rietvlei Nature Reserve? opspoor shows where Purple Heron have been logged recently and lets you log your own, even with no signal.