Roseate Spoonbill
NameRoseate Spoonbill
Common NameRoseate Spoonbill
Scientific NamePlatalea ajaja
FamilyThreskiornithidae
Wingspan (cm)127.5
Length (cm)78.5
Weight (g)1500
Plumage DetailsAdults display brilliant rose-pink body feathers, with deeper carmine on the wing coverts and tail. The head and neck are white, often with a yellowish wash, and the bare skin on the head is greenish-yellow. Legs are reddish. Juveniles are much paler pink.
Vocalization / CallGenerally a silent bird, but can produce low grunts, croaks, and hisses, particularly when disturbed or at nesting colonies.
Primary Dietcarnivore
Primary Habitatscoastal marshes, estuaries, mangroves, swamps, shallow freshwater wetlands, mudflats
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound in coastal areas of the southeastern United States (Florida, Texas, Louisiana), Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean, and South America east of the Andes.
Identifying FeaturesSpatulate (spoon-shaped) bill, Vibrant rose-pink plumage, White head and neck (adults), Long wading legs, Side-to-side bill sweeping foraging behavior
Description
This large wading bird is easily recognized by its vibrant rose-pink plumage and distinctive spatulate bill. It typically forages in shallow waters, sweeping its unique bill from side to side to detect and capture small aquatic prey.
