In European wetlands, this large waterbird stands out for its purplish-blue body and red frontal shield. It handles reeds with its bill and feet.
Its upperparts are dark purplish blue, its throat and chest turquoise, and its undertail white. The red bill, shield and legs are also distinctive.
It is resident in wetlands with reedbeds and handles plants by holding them with its feet as well as using its bill.
An extinction-risk assessment has not been added yet.