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Bird Identification

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Roseate Spoonbill

Ajaia ajaja Length: 32"

Look for:

The Roseate Spoonbill is hard to confuse with anything else. Its rose pink coloration is stunning, and its spoon-shaped bill is unlike that of any other North American bird. Young birds are light pink, attaining the more intense adult colors by their third year. An upclose look at its massive bill, bald head, and red eye might convince you that this bird looks best from a distance.

Listen for:

Not very vocal but does utter a series of low grunts on a single pitch.

Remember:

If you see a flock of large pink birds along the coast, from Florida to Texas, they are almost certain to be spoonbills. Find locations where you can see this bird »

Wow!

One of the most beautiful sights a birder can see is a flock of Roseate Spoonbills at sunset flying back to the nesting colony.

This profile is an excerpt from The Young Birder's Guide by Bill Thompson, III. Purchase an autographed copy from our nature store, and check out other BWD titles designed to help you identify backyard birds.

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An Identification Guide to Common Backyard Birds

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