| Line 25: | Line 25: | ||
A monotypic species. | A monotypic species. | ||
====''Platalea'' vs. ''Ajaia''==== | ====''Platalea'' vs. ''Ajaia''==== | ||
| − | Many authorities (AOU, 2002; SACC, 2003; Clements, 2005) have placed this lone species in ''[[Platalea]]'' in light of Hancock et al. (1992) and Banks et al. (2002). Sibley & Monroe (1996) and Howard & Moore (2003) retain Roseate Spoonbill's monotypic placement in ''[[Ajaia]]'', and the Opus awaits further clarification. | + | Many authorities (AOU, 2002; SACC, 2003; Clements, 2005) have placed this lone species in ''[[:Category:Platalea|Platalea]]'' in light of Hancock et al. (1992) and Banks et al. (2002). Sibley & Monroe (1996) and Howard & Moore (2003) retain Roseate Spoonbill's monotypic placement in ''[[Ajaia]]'', and the Opus awaits further clarification. |
| − | |||
==Habitat== | ==Habitat== | ||
Nests in mangrove trees. | Nests in mangrove trees. | ||
Revision as of 03:24, 8 July 2008
- Ajaia ajaja
Identification
30-32 in (76-81 cm) tall
Ws. 4ft 5in (1.3m)
- Unmistakable
- Long-legged, long-necked
- Long, spatulate bill
Adult
- Bare greenish head
- White neck, breast, and back
- Deep pink otherwise
- Grey bill
- Rich crimson shoulder
- Orange tail
Sexes similar
Immature
- White feathered heads
- Paler pink
- Yellowish or pinkish bill
Distribution
It is a mainly resident breeder in South America, the Caribbean, and the Gulf coast of the USA.
Taxonomy
A monotypic species.
Platalea vs. Ajaia
Many authorities (AOU, 2002; SACC, 2003; Clements, 2005) have placed this lone species in Platalea in light of Hancock et al. (1992) and Banks et al. (2002). Sibley & Monroe (1996) and Howard & Moore (2003) retain Roseate Spoonbill's monotypic placement in Ajaia, and the Opus awaits further clarification.
Habitat
Nests in mangrove trees.
Behaviour
Breeding
It lays 2-5 eggs. It does not usually share colonies with storks or herons.
Feeding & Diet
These birds spend much time feeding in the shallow waters of Florida Bay and the Gulf of Mexico on shrimp, small fish, snails, and aquatic insects, which they detect by their sense of touch as they rhythmically sweep their "spoon-shaped" bills from side to side as they walk steadily through the water, often in groups.
Voice
Low croaks and clucking sounds.
Discussion
Early in the century their numbers were severely depleted by plume hunters, but with protective laws they have increased once again.
In 2006, a banded bird 16 years old was discovered, the oldest known individual.
