The plume bloom resulted in the decimation of bird populations around the world and the extinction of a number of species. In addition to feathers, wings, whole birds, nests and eggs were also used to adorn outlandish hats. Highly prized plumes were taken from exotic species like the beautiful Quetzel and the Bird-of-Paradise.
In 1886 alone, over 30 million birds were killed to meet the demands of the millinery (hat) trade.