Snowy egret preening, Florida, United States 4 Jun 2026

Poetic name, poetic appearance. Meet the snowy egret, whose all-white plumage and bright yellow "slippers" on black legs give it a striking look. Once nearly wiped out by demand for its delicate breeding-season feathers—soft, lacy plumes prized for fashionable hats—conservation efforts saved its plumage.

© Donald M. Jones/Minden Pictures

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