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Platalea ajaja
The Roseate Spoonbill is 71–86 cm (28–34 in) long, with a 120–133 cm (47–52 in) wingspan and a body mass of 1.2–1.8 kg (2.6–4.0 lb). It's head is bare, usually greenish, but has a buffy tinge during breeding season. It has a white neck, chest and back, with pale to rosy pink wings. It swings it's long,grey, signature "spoon-shaped" bill back and forth to "feel" food in the water as it wades through marshes, swamps and ponds. When it feels the prey it snaps it's beak shut.
The Roseate Spoonbill can be seen in both fresh and saltwater wetlands in the Gulf Coast of the US (Florida, Louisiana, Texas), and parts of South and Central American and the Caribbean. They may be found in small flocks, but I have observed many individuals and pairs among flocks of other wading birds.
Because it is somewhat large, and very pink, many people think they are seeing a flamingo when they spot a Roseate, though up close they are very different.
11 Comments
Lovely!
Beautiful colors. Great spotting!
Beautiful colours
Pretty bird. I remember seeing pictures of this bird when I was a child. I've wanted to see one in the wild ever since. I guess it's time to visit Florida!
That must be Herb Hill..great people & bromeliad growers...glad you have enjoyed Selby...keep up the good spottings!
@ceherzog..Thanks for the welcome...I am thrilled to be here. I was really floored by the recognition on the Ibis considering all the great spottings posted each day. I have not lived in Valrico very long, (I used to live in Wimauma and have been to Selby Gardens many times.) but the name Wurthmann sounds familiar. I know a Herb and Joan who run Raintree Tropicals in Lithia. They have beautiful bromeliads too.
lovely.
Hi Donna,
Welcome to Project Noah...you started out with a bang on your Glossy Ibis pic! I used to go to Valrico to purchase bromeliads from some people called Wurthmann...Good to have others from FL!
Gorgeous!
beautiful bird! great spot!
Amazing spotting, Donna!