The purple heron is a characteristic swamp-dwelling bird of Africa, Asia and southern Europe. Tall and slender, it shares with other herons' adaptations that enable it to feed in shallow water. It has long, thin legs on which it stalks the reedy vegetation and open waters for food. When it spots a suitable fish, amphibian or insect, it stabs at it rapidly with its long, sharp bill. The purple heron usually nests in dense reedbeds, where its shape and colouration give effective camouflage amid the reeds.