Roseate Spoonbill
Platalea ajaja
Class
Aves
Order
Ciconiiformes
Family
Threskiornithidae
Roseate Spoonbill
Range
Southern United States, West Indies, Mexico, and Central to South America
Size
Length: 28 - 34 in
Wingspan: 47.2 - 51.2 in
Weight: 2.6 - 4 lbs
Habitat
Freshwater and saltwater wetlands
Young
Clutch: 3 eggs
Incubation: 22 - 24 days
Diet
Small fish, shrimp, crustaceans, mollusks, and other small aquatic animals
IUCN Status
Least Concern
Hot Pink Highlights
Of the six species of spoonbills, only the roseate spoonbill inhabits the Western Hemisphere. Its hot pink highlights on its back and wings comes from the food the spoonbill eats, namely shrimp.
Specialized Bill
Its long straight bill with spatulate tip has sensitive nerves that help identify food in murky water and dim light. The spoonbill can breathe while its bill is under water because its nares (nostrils) are located at the top of the bill.
Status
The spoonbill was nearly wiped out in the early 1900's by plume hunters who used the feathers for ladies hats. Through legal protection the species has slowly recovered.