Egretta alba
Rare and Endangered Animals of Armenia
Egret
File:Eastern Reef Egret.jpg An egret is any of several herons, most of which are white or buff, and several of which develop fine plumes during the breeding season. Many egrets are members of the genera Egretta or Ardea which contain other species regarded as herons rather than egrets. The distinction between a heron and an egret is rather vague and depends more on appearance than biology.
Several of the egrets have been moved around from one genus to another in recent years: the Great Egret, for example, was traditionally classified as a member of Egretta, moved to Ardea, and then moved back again. Common names are often a more reliable guide to egret identification.
In the 19th and early part of the 20th century, most of the world's egret species were brought to the brink of extinction by relentless hunting. Hat makers in Europe and the United States demanded massive numbers of egret plumes and breeding birds were massacred in locations all around the world.
The Eastern Reef Egret of the Pacific Ocean shores (illustrated above right) is unusual in that it has two distinct phases: Eastern Reef Egrets are either entirely charcoal-grey or entirely white.
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Animal in Armenia
Մեծ սպիտակ տառեղ ("Mets spitak taregh")
Status
Rare species.
Habitat in Armenia
Met in the valley of Arax as a wintering bird. Nowadays rare species can be met around Lake Sevan.
Number in the wild
Single species were met on Sevan during the flight in 1976. For the last years 250 – 1000 species are wintering in Ararat valley.
Reasons for decrease in number
Were always rare in Armenia.
Number in captivity
No data.
Measures of protection taken
Catch is forbidden in the territory of Armenia.