egret

a white egret

a kind of bird – water (wading) bird – related and belongs to ‘herons’ – tall, slender with long neck, (moderately) long beak (bill), and long legs; milky white, white or slate gray feathers, and dull orange or yellow beak (bill), dull orange or black legs, and yellow feet; different kinds grow to different sizes: on average, 1 foot to 3 feet tall, and weighs 300 grams to 1½ Kg; feeds on (eats) small fish, frogs, lizards, small rodents, crabs, clams, and water insects; lives for 5 to 20 years; found in most parts of the world

not all egrets are white

male ~~ cock (?)

female ~~ hen (?)

baby ~~ chick

group ~~ congregation, neronry, skewer and wedge

voice (calls) ~~ crock (?)

home ~~ nest (for laying eggs and raising chicks

Some common egret kinds are: common or great egret, eastern reef egret, western reef egret, reddish egret, cattle egret, slaty egret, Chinese egret, snowy egret, little egret

Special Features:

egret feather head dress

The ‘cattle egret’ is the national bird of Botswana, Africa.

The egrets have been shot for their meat and feathers.

By the end of 19^th century, egrets’ feathers (plumes) were in such great demand in European and American markets that 28 grams of them were sold at $32 which was twice the price of gold at that time!

Unfortunately for the egrets, the long drooping feathers look more attractive during mating season. Consequently, the egrets were almost shot to extinction.

But now there are strict laws banning the hunting of egrets along with the other birds.

The beautiful long white feathers (plumes) have been used in decorating people’s head-dresses, hats and turbans since 11^th century!

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