Egret Feathers

In the 1900s, was the great egret is snow white plumage in great demand to adorn women's hats and fashion. As a result, North American populations decimated by hunting birds - some groups with 95 percent. But over the last century, great egrets were under legal protection and their populations recover. According to the National Audubon Society, great egrets a world population of over 1 million people.

Heron - also called the great egret and great egret - are migratory birds with a wide distribution and, at present, the IUCN Red List classifies the Great White Egret as "least concern". Great Egret Although the species no longer suffer from intense hunting for trade in feathers, other threats. These water birds are vulnerable to loss of wetland habitats, climate change and invasion by exotic plants.

At the beginning of the breeding season, growth of flashy Egret feathers (called egrets), and they raise the fan in rituals of seduction. The shadow of their bills to brighten yellow to orange-yellow skin near their eyes are bright green.

One of the largest species of herons, great blue heron is growing at about three meters high and has a wingspan of more than four feet. Her long thin legs, birds with a characteristic S-shaped neck. Great egrets stalk their prey slowly - such as frogs, insects, small mammals and fish - for hunting in shallow wetlands.

Learn more about the history of trade in feathers, get more facts on the Great Egret, go bird watching court, and check this gallery of amazing photos from National Geographic evolution of feathers.

source National Geographic Blog