Purple Heron

Large heron with rusty head and streaky neck; juvenile is extensively rusty brown on upperparts. Favors fresh marshes with tall reeds and other vegetation. Often more retiring than Gray Heron and rarely seen in open situations. Only likely to be confused with larger and bulkier Gray Heron, which is paler and grayer overall, with a stouter bill.

The purple heron in Sri Lanka inhabits freshwater habitats like marshes, lagoons, and lakes. They are also found in paddy fields, mangroves, and tanks.

The Purple Heron in Sri Lanka eats fish, frogs, insects, small mammals, and other aquatic animals. They are opportunistic feeders and are most active at dawn and dusk.