Purple Heron – feeding juveniles

“I had an opportunity to observe a small, new heronry that was protected by 15-16 meters of water of an old tin mining pond.

“There were only a few birds using the site, mainly Purple (Ardea purpurea manilensis) and Grey Herons (Ardea cinerea jouyi).

“I was able to observe some episodes of feeding of juveniles Purple Herons.

“The activity is rather ‘violent’.

“Juveniles would aggressively demand and obtain feeds by reaching up and grabbing the parent’s beak and pulling it down.

“I saw adult birds all fluffed up (hackles raised), as though in anxiety for the event.

“See short handheld video:

Dato’ Dr Amar-Singh HSS
Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia
4th November 2016

Location: Tambun, Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia
Habitat: Secondary growth near limestone hills