Egret

Large Egret is a white heron, Egretta alba (or rather Casmerodius albus). The name is derived from the French word aigrette, a head decoration made by feathers for men or women (or circus horses). During periods when aigrettes have been a fashion hunting for herons and some other birds has been extensive. Arbitrarily "Egret" has been used for all white herons. In India these are:

Bubulcus ibis, Cattle Egret
Casmerodius albus, Large Egret
Egretta garzetta, Little Egret
Egretta gularis, Indian Reef Heron
Egretta sacra, Eastern Reef Heron, and
Mesophoyx intermedia, Median Egret.

All of these are generally distributed over the Indian Peninsula except Egretta sacra, which has a more eastern distribution and is not common in India. The different species are distinguished primarily in size and the colour of bill and legs. The white appearance, the size, and the occurrence in open, wet areas where it is easily sighted makes them spectacular, well-known birds. To distinguish between the different species may, however, be difficult for the amateur.

Here is a link to S*Poo Nai's Egret.

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S*Poo Nai's home page

S*Poo Nai's Norwegian Forest Cats
© 2000 Erik Åhlander & Suzanne Wejland.

Updated May 23, 2001

Text and design: Suzanne Wejland (suzanne.wejland@telia.com) and Erik Åhlander (erik.ahlander@nrm.se)