Wetlands of Florida
Birds soar overhead in our iconic 80-foot-tall glass dome, turtles bask in the sun and freshwater fish dart through the water as you wander the Wetlands trail. Enjoy the lush mangrove trees that have grown at the Aquarium since opening in 1995. Lock eyes with an alligator, run alongside the playful river otters and marvel at the beautiful plumage of the roseate spoonbills and white ibises. Explore Florida’s freshwater and brackish environments in this immersive experience and gain a new appreciation for the animals that live in Florida!
Animal Spotlight: Roseate Spoonbill
Get to know this gorgeous pink bird native to Florida. The roseate spoonbill, often mistaken for the flamingo, is a large wading bird known for its bright pink feathers and spoon-shaped bill. This species gets its pink color from its diet, which is rich in carotenoid-rich organisms like shrimp. Juvenile spoonbills are lighter pink in color. As they mature their plumage will develop into darker shades of pink.
Fun Fact: This species gets its pink color from its diet, which is rich in carotenoid-rich organisms like shrimp. Juvenile spoonbills are lighter pink in color. As they mature their plumage will develop into darker shades of pink.
Habitat
Rivers and marshes in the Gulf of Mexico coastline, South America, Central America and West Indies
Diet
Small fish and invertebrates
Predators
Spoonbill eggs are often
at risk to predation
Conservation Status
Least Concern
Phylum
Chordate