Found in North and South America
Hear Their Calls
Snowy Egrets are the elegant models of the bird world. They can be found slowly strutting their stuff—pure white feathers with pointed black beaks and sunny yellow feet—along waterways all over the place, thanks to the successful conservation efforts of the early 19th century. They’ve got an edgy side too, though: during the breeding season, their cranial plumage puffs up to form a rocking mohawk.
The Snowy Egret’s severe squawk (usually only made during breeding season) clashes with its otherwise dreamy visage. They breed in colonies and sometimes mate with other Herons to create hybrid offspring, including Little Blue Herons and Cattle Egrets. When feeding, they’ll stir up dirt with their feet in a sort of dance ritual to bring fish and other aquatic animals out of their hiding spots.
Fun fact: In 1886 Snowy Egret were hunted for their fashionable plumes, which were valued at $32 per ounce, or twice the price of gold at the time.
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