About the Purple Heron
The Purple Heron (Ardea purpurea) is a species of bird in the Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns family (Ardeidae), within the order Pelecaniformes. This family contains 74 recognized species worldwide.
Use the eBird species code purher1 when logging sightings in eBird or other citizen science platforms.
Taxonomy & Classification
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Pelecaniformes |
| Family | Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns (Ardeidae) |
| Species | Ardea purpurea |
| Species Codes | purher1, PUHE |
Frequently Asked Questions
What family does the Purple Heron belong to?
The Purple Heron (Ardea purpurea) belongs to the Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns family (Ardeidae), in the order Pelecaniformes.
How can I identify the Purple Heron?
The Purple Heron is a member of the Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns family. Check field guides or upload a photo to our AI Bird Identifier for help.
Where can I report a Purple Heron sighting?
You can log sightings of Purple Heron on eBird (ebird.org) using species code purher1, or on iNaturalist.