ROSEATE SPOONBILL Platalea ajaja Bird Order Ciconiformes Description Only pink species of spoonbill. During courtship, facial skin partly orange-yellow. Immature has white plumage variably tinged pink. Range southeastern US and West Indies through Mexico and Central America to South America: east of Andes, south to north Argentina, west of Andes in west Ecuador and Northwestern Peru. Status Main threats throughout range are alteration of, habitats, hunting and pollution. Photo © James P. Rowan Photography

Ecology Habitat Tidal ponds, mangrove swamps and other coastal areas with salt or brackish (mixture of salt and fresh water) water. Less often in inland pools, marshes, and other open areas. Nests in wetlands and on coastal islands, usually on low trees, thick bushes, mangroves or reeds, occasionally on ground.   Niche Omnivorous; eats small fish, crustaceans and shrimps; water beetles and other insects, mollusk, slugs also some plant materlal, (fibers and roots of sedges). Forages alone or in small flocks. Colonial nesters. Moves bill side ways in long arches through water to eat. Sometimes immerses entire head and part of neck. Generally sedentary throughout most range, however migratory in north. Life History Nesting season depending where the bird is located: Florida birds lay eggs in Nov. Texas birds lay eggs in Apr. Costa Rica birds breed from Oct-Dec. depending on year. Nest is a platform of sticks and twigs lined with grass and other soft vegetation. 2-3 egcs; incubate for 22 days, Chicks fledge at 6 wks, mature at 3 yrs. or more. Special Adaptations Beak is spoon shaped to help sift water and food through it. Long legs facilitate wading. Feed by sense of touch. This happens due to a sensitive touch receptors under the horny covering of the bill. This species wades in the water with its mouth open to snatch anything that touches its beak. This allows the bird to feed in turbid water, muddy pools, dense under-water vegetation or at night.