Is the Purple Heron really purple?

　The Purple Heron takes its name from the slightly purplish reddish-brown colour of its face, neck and breast. There are differences in colour perception between Japanese and non-Japanese people; for example, whilst in Japan a torii gate is described as vermilion or red, European people seem to find the term ‘orange’ more fitting. However, the Purple Heron is a rare bird whose name—whether in English, French or its scientific name—includes the word ‘purple’, suggesting it was named according to a universal perception of colour.

　Whilst it is a subtle shade when asked whether it is actually purple, the contrast with the green of the rice paddies is beautiful, and there is no doubt that it is a bird well worth the trip to Ishigaki Island to see.