EGRET, the name given to those birds of genus Egretta, which are characterized by a white plumage, and, in the breeding season, by long dorsal plumes, from which the barbules are absent, thus giving them a silky appearance. They are known to the feather trade as "ospreys" and are highly valued as ornaments. The largest form is E. occidentalis from Florida and Cuba, about 4f t. long. The European E. alba is slightly smaller. The American egret, E. egretta, measures about three feet. The snowy egret, E. candidissima, is smaller. Other species occur in Asia and Aus tralia. In certain parts of the world (e.g., southern U.S.A.) egrets were in danger of becoming scarce or extinct owing to the depre dations of the plume-hunters. But protection by the Audubon Societies and legislation on the importation of plumage are now bringing about a revival in numbers in some places. The Amer ican egret wanders northward in summer, often visiting the north Atlantic states.