The Purple Heron inhabits marshes in South and Central Europe, building a nest low down in the reeds, its nearest nesting place to us being in Holland. A good many examples, mostly immature, have occurred along our east coasts. On the back the adult is dark slate grey with rufous and buff dorsal plumes. Neck reddish, with dark elongated stripe down either side. Under parts rich maroon red. Immature birds are rusty red on the neck and upper parts, brownish on the under parts. Length 33 in.; wing 14·25 in.