L 78-90 cm, WS 120-140 cm.
Purple Heron is smaller and darker than Grey Heron. It has longer and slenderer bill, black crown and belly. Breast has chestnut color tone. In flight, it can be confused with Grey Heron, but has more jutting hind claws (as a result of an adaptation to live among reeds).

Habitat:Shallow freshwater. It breeds in colonies in reedbeds or in low bushes.