Moonring Nature Photography :: Roseate Spoonbill - Species Ajaia ajaja

This is the only species of spoonbill found in the Western Hemisphere. Its flattened, spatulate bill, specialized feeding technique, and remarkable pink plumage make it unique among Florida's waders. Roseate Spoonbills occur from coastal Florida, southwestern Louisiana and Texas south to Brazil, Argentina and Chile, including the Bahamas, Greater Antilles, Mexico and northern South America.

Roseate Spoonbills are primarily nocturnal and crepuscular (dawn and dusk) feeders and favor protected flats and tidal creeks during falling tides. Sweeping their bills back and forth like scythes, they capture small fish, crustaceans, and insects. When severe dry seasons cause falling water levels in freshwater wetlands and retention ponds, spoonbills may regularly exploit inland foraging areas near the coast.

Breeding occurs on small mangrove keys or artificial dredged-material islands along the coast. In recent years, occasional nesting attempts have also been found in the freshwater Everglades. Nests are bulky structures of sticks, lined with finer materials, and are placed beneath the tree canopy. Ground nests are known in Texas, but not in Florida. Eggs are large and creamy-white, irregularly spotted with brown. Incubation lasts 22 to 23 days, with both sexes sharing the incubation duties. The young fledge at about 6 weeks of age, but are fed by their parents at the natal colony for 3 to 4 weeks longer.

Roseate Spoonbill (Ajaia ajaja)

General Information

Habitat and Range




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	Roseate Spoonbill (Ajaia ajaja) General Information This is the only species of spoonbill found in the Western Hemisphere. Its flattened, spatulate bill, specialized feeding technique, and remarkable pink plumage make it unique among Florida's waders. Roseate Spoonbills occur from coastal Florida, southwestern Louisiana and Texas south to Brazil, Argentina and Chile, including the Bahamas, Greater Antilles, Mexico and northern South America. Habitat and Range Roseate Spoonbills are primarily nocturnal and crepuscular (dawn and dusk) feeders and favor protected flats and tidal creeks during falling tides. Sweeping their bills back and forth like scythes, they capture small fish, crustaceans, and insects. When severe dry seasons cause falling water levels in freshwater wetlands and retention ponds, spoonbills may regularly exploit inland foraging areas near the coast. Breeding occurs on small mangrove keys or artificial dredged-material islands along the coast. In recent years, occasional nesting attempts have also been found in the freshwater Everglades. Nests are bulky structures of sticks, lined with finer materials, and are placed beneath the tree canopy. Ground nests are known in Texas, but not in Florida. Eggs are large and creamy-white, irregularly spotted with brown. Incubation lasts 22 to 23 days, with both sexes sharing the incubation duties. The young fledge at about 6 weeks of age, but are fed by their parents at the natal colony for 3 to 4 weeks longer.