In the 19th century, these beautiful birds were almost hunted to extension by plume hunters. During the 1930”s there were only 30-40 breeding roseate left as their feather were used in women’s fans. The male & female are almost identical in appearance & there is no sexual dimorphism. The green buff & deep pink tuffs become very visible at mating time. Immature birds have the white & pale pink feathers until after the 4th molt, when they become sexual active adults.