Purple Heron

The Purple Heron Ardea purpurea has a large range from Africa to Eurasia to the Sundas.  Here in Sabah, this big heron has established itself in most of the freshwater habitats.  Along the Kinabatangan river, the population has increased tremendously in recent years.  In Kota Kinabalu, the heron is also a common sighting in many areas of the city.