A medium-sized egret (Egretta thula) with white plumage, black legs, and yellow feet, found in warm parts of the Western Hemisphere. It was once widely hunted for its white, lacelike aigrettes that grow during the breeding season. White New World egret (Egretta thula; family Ardeidae). It is about 24 in. (60 cm) long and has filmy recurved plumes on the back and head. Formerly hunted for its plumes, it ranges from the U.S. to Chile and Argentina