Egret

Egret << EE greht >> is a type of heron. The name egret comes from the French word aigrette, which means heron. There are several species (kinds) of egrets. Like other herons, egrets have long legs, a long neck, and a long, thin bill. Most egrets possess white feathers. During the mating season, egrets grow long plumes on the back, neck, and head. These plumes are sometimes called aigrettes.

Egrets live throughout much of the world, except for the Arctic and Antarctica. Adults range from 17 to 40 inches (43 to 102 centimeters) long and have a wingspread of up to 67 inches (170 centimeters).

In the late 1800’s and early 1900’s, egret plumes were prized as decorations for women’s hats. Hunters killed great numbers of egrets for the plumes, and several species were threatened with extinction. Finally, countries passed laws to protect egrets from hunters, and fashions changed. As a result, the egret population has gradually increased.

Kinds.

In North America, the most commonly seen egret is the great egret, also called the common egret. This bird ranks as the largest egret. It is also found in South America and the Eastern Hemisphere. The snowy egret, a smaller species, lives mainly in the southern United States. It grows especially beautiful plumes. The cattle egret is one of the most widespread kinds. Until the mid-1800’s, this bird lived chiefly in Africa. It now inhabits every continent except Antarctica. The reddish egret lives mainly along the Gulf Coast of the United States and in Mexico and the West Indies. It has two color forms. In one form, the bird is white. In the other, it has a reddish head and neck and a gray body. The slaty egret of Africa ranks as the smallest species of egret.

Habits.

Most egrets live near water. They feed on fishes, frogs, and other animals found in or around water. To catch prey, most egrets stand motionless in shallow water until the animal comes close to them. Then they quickly seize the animal with their bill. They also may slowly stalk prey or try to chase it down. The cattle egret usually feeds on insects in upland areas. It often follows cattle, horses, or other grazing animals, preying on the insects those animals disturb.

Egrets often nest with other herons in large colonies that may include hundreds of members. Egrets build their nests in bushes or trees. The female usually lays three to five light-blue or light-green eggs. The young are covered with down when they hatch. Both parents care for the babies and bring them food. After the mating season, egrets often wander widely and may be seen in areas where they do not nest.

See also Heron.