The Key to Scientific Names

Edited by James A. Jobling
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Casmerodius

(Ardeidae; syn. Ardea  Great White Egret A. alba egretta) Gr. κοσμος kosmos  ornament (cf. χασιος khasios  treasure, wealth); ερωδιος erōdios  heron.  Until the early 20th century the plumes or aigrettes of the Great White Egret and other white herons were in great demand as marks of esteem and fashion accessories.  Revulsion against the plume trade promoted the creation of bird protection and conservation societies worldwide; "Bei den herrlichen Silber- oder Schmuckreihern (Casmerodius) ist das ganze Gefieder schneeweiß, nur bei manchen in der Jugend schiefergrau.  ...  In Ungarn nisten (horsten) bereits Gesellschaften einer größeren und einer kleineren Art solcher Schmuck-, Federbusch- oder Silberreiher: (Ardea egretta, und A. garzetta:) jene fast unserem grauen Reiher, diese kaum dem großen Rohrdommel gleich." (Gloger 1842); "Casmerodius Gloger, Hand-und Hilfsb. Naturg., 1842 (1841), p. 412.  Type, by subsequent designation, Ardea egretta Gmelin (Salvadori Orn. Pap. delle Mol., 3, 1882, p. 349)." (Peters, 1931, I, p. 109).  To support the polyphyly of the Ardeidae, it has been suggested that this genus be resurrected.
Var. Cosmerodius.


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