538 



THE EGRET. 



herons, from the fact that these flowing feathers are suggestive of plume the French of 

 which is aigrette. The train-feathers are also employed in the decoration of head-dresses. 

 The Egret breeds chiefly in extensive cedar-swamps, placing its nest on the branches of trees, 

 and laying three or four large pale blue eggs. The young are usually hatched about the end 

 of June ; and when they are strong enough to walk about, they associate in little flocks of 

 twenty or thirty in number. 



The color of the Egret is pure snowy-white, with the exception of the train, which has a 



AMERICAN KGHET.-MjrWicw alba 



creamy-yellow tinge. The feathers of the train are so long that when they are fully developed 

 they hang over the tail and quite conceal it. The long sharp bill is nearly six inches in length, 

 and its color is rich golden-orange, darkening into black at the tip. The long legs are black 

 and the eye is rather pale orange. In total length the adult bird is about four feet, if the 

 measurement be taken to the end of the train. Both sexes have the same plumage. 



The White Egret is rather delicate, preferring warm weather, and consequently restricted 

 in geographical distribution. In New England it is only a rare visitor, and is not known to 

 breed. Massachusetts is the northernmost limit. On the Pacific coast it is not known north 

 of California. Wilson says it breeds in the cedar swamps of New Jersey. Like other Herons, 

 it builds on the tops of high trees, in societies. 



