Roseate Spoonbill Platalea ajaja
These birds are not flamingos, but are pink due to the carotenoid pigment found in the food they eat. Their name comes from the shape of their bill, which looks like a spoon.
ORIGIN:
Southern United States and South America
HABITAT:
Fresh and salt wetlands
HEIGHT/WEIGHT:
3 lbs
Length: Avg 50 in wingspan
Height: Avg 30 in
DIET:
Smalll fish, shrimp, insects, snails and slugs
PREDATORS:
Birds of prey, raccoons and fire ants
NATURAL DEFENSES:
Nest in colonies
REPRODUCTION:
Lays 3 eggs; Incubation 22-24 days
THREATS:
Least Concern but for Florida, where habitat loss is decreasing populations
LIFE EXPECTANCY:
Up to 10 yrs
Our animal information came from the following resources…
