 Egret Name given an to several species of herons, of the old and new worlds. Before they were protected by law the birds were nearly hunted to extermination seeking their beautiful white silky plumage called aigrettes, used in millinery. The feathers would be gathered during breeding season when they develop.
In the United States the American egret plumes straight, being 21 in. long, growing on the back . The snowy egret or snowy heron is smaller, this beautiful but smaller bird was hunted most, for its curved plumes on the back, head, and breast. The reddish egret is white parts of the year, changing its plumage cover to grayish with brown head and neck. The greater and lesser eaglets are European species. |
