Roseate Spoonbill
Image: Daniel Guerra (cc-by-nc)
NameRoseate Spoonbill
Common NameRoseate Spoonbill
Scientific NamePlatalea ajaja
FamilyThreskiornithidae
Wingspan (cm)127
Length (cm)76
Weight (g)1400
Plumage DetailsAdults display brilliant rose-pink body plumage, often brighter on the wings and tail coverts, contrasting with a white neck and upper back. The head is bare and greenish-yellow, and the long, flattened bill is gray.
Vocalization / CallGenerally silent, but can produce low grunts, croaks, and hisses, particularly during nesting or when disturbed.
Primary Dietcarnivore
Primary Habitatswetlands, marshes, estuaries, mangrove swamps, lagoons
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound in coastal areas of the southeastern United States (primarily Florida, Texas, Louisiana), Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean, and much of South America.
Identifying Featuresspatulate bill, bright pink plumage, bare greenish-yellow head (adults), wading behavior in shallow water
Description
The Roseate Spoonbill is a striking wading bird known for its vibrant pink plumage and unique spatulate bill. It forages in shallow waters, sweeping its bill from side to side to catch small aquatic prey.
