Hunting of herons and egrets has a long history, with records dating back to the Ancient Egyptian period. In Egypt, herons were primarily pursued for their meat and were considered a delicacy, while egrets were prized for their beautiful plumes and were often used in elaborate headdresses. Similarly, in many Native American cultures, herons and egrets were traditionally hunted for their feathers, which were used in ceremonial attire, ornamentation, and trade.
In the 18th and 19th centuries, the demand for heron and egret feathers skyrocketed due to prevailing fashion trends in Europe and North America. The plumes of these birds were highly sought after for use in women's hats and other accessories, leading to a significant increase in hunting pressure on heron and egret populations. Unfortunately, this demand often resulted in unsustainable levels of hunting, with some species facing population declines and even local extinctions.
While hunting for feathers declined in the early 20th century as fashion preferences changed, the practice persisted in some regions for a variety of reasons, including pest control and a misconception that herons and egrets compete with commercial fishers. In recent years, conservation efforts, including legal protections and habitat conservation, have helped to recover many heron and egret populations, but these birds continue to face challenges from various threats, including habitat loss and pollution.