Roseate Spoonbill

Ajaia ajaja

Photo by bobsofpa
Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, Florida, USA

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.

External Links

Search for photos of Roseate Spoonbill in the gallery