Month: January 2026

Roseate Spoonbills in Florida

Roseate Spoonbills are iconic pink wading birds, a threatened but recovering native species in Florida, found in coastal wetlands, bays, and mangroves, known for their unique spoon-shaped bill used to filter feed in shallows; they are a key indicator species for Everglades health.

Key Characteristics

  • Appearance: Striking pink plumage, white neck/back, scarlet wing patches, yellow-green head, and a long, flat bill.
  • Diet: Shrimp and small crustaceans that get their color from algae, giving the birds their pink hue.
  • Feeding: Sweep their bills side-to-side in shallow water, snapping shut on prey.