Mated White Great Egrets Collection

Original Painting of a pair of white Great Egrets in mating plumage.

The majestic white Great Egret gets more dressed up during mating season. A patch of skin on its face turns neon green, and long plumes grow from its back. Those plumes nearly brought the white great egret to extinction during the late 1800 when they were hunted for these aigrettes (long plumes). Saw this pair off to themselves at Fort DeSoto Park preening and cooing.