Roseate Spoonbill
Image: <b><span class="plainlinks"><a class="external text" href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:A.Savin">A.Savin</a></span></b> (FAL)
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 deeper carmine red patches on the wing coverts and rump. The neck and back are typically paler pink, while the head is bare, appearing greenish-yellow with red eyes. The long, spatulate bill is grayish-blue.
Vocalization / CallGenerally silent, Roseate Spoonbills may produce low grunts, hisses, or bill-clattering sounds, especially during breeding displays or when disturbed.
Primary Dietcarnivore
Primary Habitatscoastal marshes, estuaries, lagoons, mangrove swamps, mudflats, shallow freshwater wetlands
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound in coastal areas of the southeastern United States (primarily Florida, Louisiana, and Texas), the Caribbean, Central America, and South America, extending south to Argentina.
Identifying Featuresspoon-shaped bill, vibrant pink plumage, bare greenish head, red eyes, long legs
Description
The Roseate Spoonbill is a large wading bird known for its distinctive spoon-shaped bill and vibrant pink plumage. It forages in shallow waters, sweeping its bill from side to side to filter small aquatic prey. These social birds are often found in groups in coastal and wetland habitats.
