purple heron

noun

1. an Old World heron, Ardea purpurea, having maroon, buff, and black plumage.

Word History and Origins

Origin of purple heron¹

First recorded in 1830–40

Example Sentences

The Purple Heron (Ardea purpurea) has the same habits as the one just spoken of, but it is a little smaller.

From Project Gutenberg