15 White Birds Soaring Over Africa, Asia, Europe and the Americas

The snowy egret is famous for its delicate white feathers, black legs and striking yellow feet. These birds are often seen in wetlands, lakes and ponds, where they use their unique foot movements to stir up fish and amphibians.

During breeding season, males develop long, wispy plumes that were once highly prized in the fashion industry.

The great egret is one of the largest egret species, with long legs perfect for wading through shallow waters in search of fish.

Found across the Americas, Europe, Asia and Africa, these birds were once hunted extensively for their feathers. Now protected, they are a common sight in wetlands and are often featured in nature photos.

Originally from Africa, the cattle egret has expanded its range to include Central America, the southern U.S. and beyond.

These adaptable birds are often seen in fields or around barns, following cattle or other large mammals to catch insects stirred up from the ground. Unlike other egrets, they frequently nest in trees rather than wetlands.

Native to Australia and surrounding islands, the white cockatoo is a highly intelligent and social parrot species. Known for their loud calls and playful behaviors, these birds are often kept as pets, though they require significant care and attention.

Their striking white plumage, expressive crest and ability to mimic human speech make them a favorite among bird enthusiasts.

A powerful predator of the Arctic, the snowy owl is one of the most recognizable white birds in pictures and nature magazines.

Unlike most owls, these birds are active during the day, often seen perched on open tundra scanning for prey like small mammals and birds with their striking yellow eyes.

Their thick plumage helps them survive freezing temperatures, making them well-adapted to northern environments.

Seagulls are a familiar sight along coastlines, lakes and even urban areas, where they scavenge for food.

These opportunistic birds eat everything from fish to human leftovers, making them one of the most adaptable bird species. Their ability to thrive in diverse environments has contributed to their widespread presence around the world.

One of the largest flying birds in North America, the American white pelican has an enormous wingspan and distinctive throat pouch.

Unlike other pelicans, these birds do not dive for fish but instead scoop them up while swimming in shallow waters. They migrate seasonally, often gathering in large flocks at lakes and wetlands during summer.

The white ibis is a wetland bird commonly found in the southeastern United States, Mexico and Central America. It has a long, curved beak perfect for probing mud and shallow water for crustaceans and small fish.

These birds nest in large colonies and are often seen foraging in parks, ponds and marshes.

One of the heaviest flying birds, the trumpeter swan is known for its impressive size and elegant white plumage. These birds were once nearly extinct but have rebounded thanks to conservation efforts.

Found in Canada and the northern United States, they are often seen in lakes and wetlands during breeding season.

Nicknamed the "fairy tern," this delicate seabird is found in tropical regions, including Hawaii and the South Pacific. Unlike many birds, white terns do not build nests but instead lay their eggs on bare tree branches.

Their pure white color and graceful flight make them a mesmerizing and "lucky" sight over the ocean. Really, are a good sign for sailors looking for land because white terns don't float like albatrosses; spotting a white tern at sea means you're in range of the land it took off from.

One of the rarest birds in North America, the whooping crane has made an incredible comeback from near extinction. Conservation programs have helped rebuild their population, and they are now a symbol of hope for endangered species recovery.

These tall birds wade through wetlands in search of amphibians, fish and insects.

The gyrfalcon, a powerful bird of prey, is one of the largest falcon species and thrives in Arctic regions. Some individuals are entirely white, blending perfectly into snowy landscapes as they hunt birds and mammals. These impressive hunters have been used in falconry for centuries.

Recognizable by its distinctive spoon-shaped bill, the Eurasian spoonbill is a wading bird found across Europe, Asia, and Africa.

These birds nest in colonies and are an important part of wetland ecosystems. They use their specialized beak to sweep through the water, capturing small fish and aquatic invertebrates.

Native to Australia and New Zealand, the royal spoonbill is known for its large bill and striking white feathers. During breeding season, males develop long plumes on their head, adding to their dramatic appearance.

They are often found in shallow wetlands, where they forage for fish and crustaceans.

A master of camouflage, the rock ptarmigan changes its plumage from brown in the summer to white in the winter. This adaptation helps it blend into snowy environments, protecting it from predators.

These hardy birds are found in northern regions, where they feed on plants, seeds and berries.

We created this article in conjunction with AI technology, then made sure it was fact-checked and edited by a HowStuffWorks editor.