Roseate Spoonbill

The Roseate Spoonbill is one of Florida's most recognizable and colorful wading birds. Its bright pink plumage and distinctive spoon-shaped bill make it a favorite among birders, photographers, and wildlife enthusiasts.

Found in coastal wetlands, marshes, and estuaries, Roseate Spoonbills use their unique bills to sweep through shallow water in search of small fish, shrimp, and aquatic invertebrates. Their vibrant pink coloration comes from pigments found in the crustaceans they eat.

🎧 Hear the Roseate Spoonbill

Fun Facts

• Roseate Spoonbills get their pink color from their diet.

• Their spoon-shaped bill is highly sensitive and helps them locate prey underwater.

• Florida is one of the best places in North America to observe Roseate Spoonbills in the wild.

• They often feed in groups, sweeping their bills side to side through shallow water.

Conservation

Roseate Spoonbills were once heavily hunted for their feathers during the plume trade of the late 1800s and early 1900s. Today, they are protected and serve as an important indicator species for the health of coastal wetlands.

American Flyway

American Flyway celebrates the birds, habitats, and conservation efforts that connect North America through migration and wildlife stewardship.