Egrets are a type of heron, which are medium to large wading birds in the family Ardeidae. Like other birds, egrets do not have actual hair on their bodies. However, some egrets do have specialized feathers that may look similar to hair.
Plumage of Egrets
Most egret species have all white or buff-colored plumage. Their feathers help camouflage them when they are standing in shallow water hunting for fish and other prey. Some unique plumage features on certain egret species include:
- Long plume feathers on their lower backs during breeding season. These ornamental feathers were highly prized in the millinery trade in the late 19th century, leading to massive egret hunting that decimated populations.
- Filoplumes – hair-like feathers on their head and necks. These very thin feathers may help sense prey movements in the water.
- Powder down – specialized down feathers that continuously grow and break down into a powder that helps clean and waterproof other feathers.
Breeding Plumes
During breeding season, egrets grow long decorative plume feathers on their lower backs. These feathers were called “aigrettes” and were sought after in the millinery trade to adorn hats.
The most valued plumes came from great egrets and snowy egrets. The plumes grew to over 20 inches long during breeding season. Hunting egrets for their plumes nearly drove populations to extinction in North America in the late 1800s. Conservation measures were eventually taken to protect them.
Today, the plume trade continues on a limited basis through legal and sustainable harvesting of plumes during molting. Wild egret populations have rebounded after receiving complete legal protection from hunting.
Great Egret Breeding Plumes
- Plumes can grow over 20 inches long
- Plumes emerge from lower back during breeding season
- Highly sought after in the millinery trade of the late 1800s
- Led to extreme hunting that decimated egret populations
Snowy Egret Breeding Plumes
- Plumes can grow up to 10 inches long
- Plumes emerge from lower back during breeding season
- Millinery trade had huge demand for snowy egret plumes
- Populations reduced by 95% in North America by early 20th century
Filoplumes
Egrets have specialized hair-like feathers called filoplumes on their heads and necks. Filoplumes are very thin feathers with few barbs and barbules. This gives them a hair-like appearance.
It is believed that filoplumes may help egrets sense movements of prey in the water. The filoplumes are attached to nerve receptors that could detect minute disturbances in the air from prey movements. This allows egrets to quickly snap up fish, frogs, and insects in shallow water.
In addition to egrets, other birds like owls, woodpeckers, and nightjars also have filoplumes. They similarly help with prey detection.
| Filoplume Features | Possible Functions |
|---|---|
| – Very thin hair-like feathers | – Help sense prey movements |
| – Few barbs and barbules | – Detect air disturbances |
| – Located on head and neck | – Increase prey capture ability |
| – Attached to nerve receptors | – Found in other birds (owls, woodpeckers, etc.) |
Powder Down
Many egret species, including the great egret and reddish egret, have specialized down feathers called powder down. These feathers have a unique feature – they continuously grow throughout the bird’s life and then fray into a fine powder.
The egret distributes this powder by preening its feathers with its beak and feet. This powder acts to clean and waterproof the rest of the feathers, helping maintain the bright whiteness.
It’s theorized that the powder helps remove oils and residues that would otherwise dull and dirty the feathers. The powder may also absorb excess oils to prevent feathers from becoming matted.
In addition to egrets, other birds like herons, spoonbills, ibis, and parrots also have powder down feathers for feather maintenance.
Powder Down Features and Functions
| Features | Possible Functions |
|---|---|
| – Continuously growing feathers | – Produce a powder that acts as a cleaning agent |
| – Barbs become detached and fray | – Absorb oils and residues |
| – Creates fine powder | – Remove material that would dull feathers |
| – Distributed when preening | – Help maintain bright white plumage |
Conclusion
While egrets may not have true hair, they do have specialized feathers that serve important functions:
- Breeding plumes for courtship displays
- Filoplumes to help sense prey
- Powder down to clean and maintain feathers
These unique feather adaptations help egrets thrive in their wetland habitats and continue their amazing breeding plume displays.
