PITTSBURGH — The National Aviary recently welcomed a special new addition to its flock.
Aviary officials just announced the hatching of a Roseate Spoonbill chick as part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Species Survival Plan.
Currently, the recently fledged chick is white, but as it continues eating a carotenoid-rich diet, its signature pink feathers will start developing.
Aviary officials say Roseate Spoonbills are “indicator species.” Their presence and reproductive success reflect the overall health of wetland ecosystems.