Snowy egret preening, central Florida, USA (© Donald M. Jones/Minden Pictures)

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.