Purple Heron

(Ardea purpurea)

Category of conservation concern (IUCN, 2020) – Least Concern

Population size: 2020: 64-136 pairs (2007: 150-250 pairs)

Distribution pattern

A relatively rare breeding migratory species with a small population. It nests alone or in small colonies – alone or with other herons and cormorants. It has been established as a breeding species mainly along the Danube River and along the Black Sea coast (Durankulak and Shabla lakes, Burgas Wetlands, Aleppu, the Ropotamo River and the rivers south of it). In the interior of the country small colonies have been established mainly in the Thracian Plain, one in the Dragoman Marsh, Sofia District and along the larger rivers – Maritsa, Iskar, Lom, Ogosta, and others . It inhabits locations with reed beds. 

Population estimation for the period 2013 – 2020: During the period 2013-2020, the species was not found in 52 squares, where it has been established before the year 2013. However, small parts of these squares are abandoned breeding sites (as is the case with Mechka Fishponds and the Orsoya Marsh). In most cases, these are squares with a very low degree of reliability for breeding. New breeding sites have been established in 11 squares.

Population size in Special Protection Areas of Natura 2000: 51 – 110 pairs (81% of the population). The highest numbers are found in the Special Protection  Areas “Mandra-Poda Complex” (10-17 pairs), the “Durankulak Lake” (7-15 pairs), the “Burgas Lake” (7-15 pairs), the “Kalimok Complex” (5-12 pairs), and “Rayanovtsi” (5-12 pairs).

Comparative distribution of the species compared to the first breeding birds atlas (Iankov, 2007): Breeding locality until 2007 | Breeding locality until 2007, confirmed after 2015 – | New breeding locality after 2015. – The breeding localities after 2015 are identified on a base of raw data from smartbirds.org.

Habitats

Breeds on water-fringe vegetation in bogs and marshes, in alluvial and riverine forests and brush.

Trends in population changes for the period 2013-2020

Threats

Drainage of wetlands. Damage to habitats due to large-scale fires in reed beds. Predation, threatening eggs and chicks in breeding colonies. Disturbance in the area of the colonies. Poaching.

Petar Shurulinkov, Girgina Daskalova, Vladimir Mladenov