OLogy Cards > snowy egret

The snowy egret is a beautiful sight. An adult egret is distinguished by its dark slender beak, long black legs, and yellow feet. Perhaps the most notable feature on a snowy egret are the showy plumes, or feathers, that grow on its head and back. In fact, the great demand for these beautiful plumes almost led to the birds' extinction. Today, the snowy egret is protected from hunters under the Endangered Species Act.