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 plumage, with a white neck and head, and a pale greenish-yellow bare head. The shoulders and tail coverts often show deeper carmine red accents. Juveniles are much paler pink with a feathered head.
Vocalization / CallGenerally a silent bird, but can produce low grunts, croaks, and hisses, particularly when disturbed or at the nest.
Primary Dietpiscivore
Primary Habitatsfreshwater marshes, estuaries, mangrove swamps, lagoons, coastal wetlands
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound in coastal areas of the southeastern United States (primarily Florida, Texas, Louisiana), Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean, and throughout much of South America.
Identifying Featureslarge spoon-shaped bill, vibrant pink plumage, bare, pale head (adults), long reddish legs for wading, sweeping foraging behavior
Description
The Roseate Spoonbill is a striking wading bird easily recognized by its vibrant pink plumage and unique spoon-shaped bill. It typically forages in shallow waters, sweeping its specialized bill from side to side to detect and capture small aquatic prey.
