OLogy Cards > snowy egret

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.

Stats

Stumper

The snowy egret was almost hunted to extinction because its plumes were used to:

make feather dusters

decorate women's hats

make writing pens

Correct!

At the end of the 19th century, snowy egret plumes were fashionable on women's hats. Fortunately, laws were enacted to prohibit the hunting of snowy egrets, and their populations slowly recovered.

Stumper

The snowy egret is considered a "colonial" bird because it:

is such a majestic bird

nests in colonies

was the official bird of the original 13 American colonies

Correct!

The snowy egret is considered a "colonial" bird because it nests in colonies, or large groups. In fact, the snowy egret will nest with groups of other species such as herons and scarlet ibises.

Fact or Fiction

The snowy egret catches prey with its yellow feet.

Fact

Fiction

The snowy egret catches prey with its bill. However, in shallow waters it may use a foot to stir up the water in order to reveal hiding prey.

Fact or Fiction

An area of the snowy egret's face will change color during breeding season.

Fact

Fiction

Fact

The spot below the snowy egret's eyes is typically yellow, but turns red during breeding season.

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