Class: Aves

Order: Ciconiiformes

Scientific Name: Ajaia ajaja

Range: Florida, Louisiana, Texas, West Indies, Central & South America

Habitat: Mangrove and coastal thickets, coastal islands

Diet: Wild: Small fish, crustaceans, insects, aquatic larvae Zoo: Chopped fish, shrimp, flamingo mix

Gestation: Incubation: 24-25 days. Both parents incubate

Litter: 2-3 eggs

Description: Of all the worlds spoonbills only one, the roseate spoonbill, is found in the Western Hemisphere. It is the only pink-colored spoonbill, and the only pink colored wading bird in the United States. Roseate spoonbills are 30-35 in. long with a wingspan to 52 in. and weigh 3.5-3.75 lbs. This is the only wadding bird to not use its eyes in foraging for food. It feeds by sweeping its bill from side to side in water. The roseate color tends to fade or disappear when this bird is in captivity, even when its normal diet is sustained. Doses of carotene in the diet help to restore color, however. Identical plumage adorns both sexes.Roseate spoonbills walk on land, perch in trees or wade in water with equal facility. The birds breed near water in colonies and the young, hatched with a spatulate bill, are fed regurgitated food from the parents bills.They build bulky nests of sticks in bushes, trees, reeds, or on the ground. Young leave nest in 5-6 weeks and are fully independent in 8 weeks.

Where in the Zoo? I can be found in the RainForest Aviary & Surrounding Exhibits at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo.