ExploreBirds

Roseate Spoonbill

Platalea ajaja

The Roseate Spoonbill is a beautiful bird with bright pink feathers and a unique spoon-shaped bill. They love to wade in shallow waters to find food like fish and insects.

Habitat: Wetlands

Appearance

The Roseate Spoonbill has striking bright pink plumage with white on its neck and head, and pale green legs. Its most unique feature is its large, gray, spatulate bill, shaped like a spoon.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderPelecaniformesFamilyThreskiornithidaeGenusPlatalea
Roseate Spoonbill
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Roseate Spoonbill

Category

Birds

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Baby spoonbills are born with straight bills that only flatten as they grow!

Roseate Spoonbills are related to ibises, which have long, curved bills instead!

The spoonbill's unique bill is actually gray, not pink, even on the pinkest birds!

They often roost together in large groups in trees over water at night for safety.

Special abilities

Ability

Sensitive Spoon

Roseate Spoonbill can feel tiny movements in the water because its flat bill has sensitive nerve endings, helping it find hidden prey.

Ability

Wading Legs

Roseate Spoonbill has long legs that allow it to wade in shallow waters, keeping its body dry while searching for food.

Ability

Group Feeder

Roseate Spoonbill can feed in groups, sweeping their bills side-to-side together to stir up more food for everyone.

Measurements & details

Length
71-86 cm
Wingspan
120-133 cm
Weight
1.2-1.8 kg
Lifespan
10-17 years
Top Speed
65 km/h
Clutch Size
2-5
Incubation
22-24 days
Migration Distance
3000 km

Diet & Feeding

These pretty pink birds sweep their unique bills through shallow waters to catch small fish, shrimp, and insects.

Primary Foods

  • small fish
  • shrimp
  • aquatic insects
  • crabs
  • snails

Foraging Method

  • Filter Feeding

Ecological connections

Traits

Also known as

Spoonbill

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Always watch birds from a distance and be quiet so you don't scare them away.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is Roseate Spoonbill?

71-86 cm

What is Roseate Spoonbill's wingspan?

120-133 cm

How much does Roseate Spoonbill weigh?

1.2-1.8 kg

How long does Roseate Spoonbill live?

10-17 years

How fast can Roseate Spoonbill move?

65 km/h

What does Roseate Spoonbill eat?

These pretty pink birds sweep their unique bills through shallow waters to catch small fish, shrimp, and insects.

Where is Roseate Spoonbill usually found?

Wetlands

How does Roseate Spoonbill hunt?

Filter Feeding

Snap Map

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Recent Snaps

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Where to spot

More Birds