Roseate Spoonbill
Platalea ajaja
About the Roseate Spoonbill
The Roseate Spoonbill (Platalea ajaja) is a species documented in our database. Learn more about this species through the information below.
Conservation Status
Roseate Spoonbill is currently listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
Population Trend
stable
Current Threats
- Habitat loss and degradation
- Pollution
- Climate change
Photo Gallery
3 photos available
Geographic Distribution
Distribution by Region
Southeastern United States
Continent: North America
Country: United States
Region: Florida, Louisiana, Texas
Caribbean
Continent: North America
Country: Various
Region: Islands of the Caribbean Sea
Central and South America
Continent: South America
Country: Various
Region: Countries from Mexico to Argentina
Distribution Overview
The Roseate Spoonbill is a widespread species found in the Americas, inhabiting coastal wetlands, mangrove forests, and freshwater marshes.
Quick Facts
- Size
- 71 - 86 cm
- Weight
- 1.2 - 2.5 kg
- Lifespan
- up to 15-20 years
- Diet
- Small fish (minnows, guppies), Crustaceans (shrimp, crabs), Insects (aquatic insects, grasshoppers), Frogs and tadpoles
Habitat
Coastal wetlandsMangrove forestsFreshwater marshesShallow lakes
Behavior
- Feeds in shallow water, using its spoon-shaped bill to scoop up prey
- Engages in social behavior, often found in large flocks
- Breeds in colonies, with pairs forming during breeding season
- Females lay 2-5 eggs, which are incubated for approximately 24 days
- Both parents care for young, which leave the nest after approximately 40-50 days