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Roseate Spoonbills

Roseate Spoonbills

A Roseate Spoonbill is a beautiful bird that can sometimes be mistaken for a Flamingo.   They have bright pink shoulders, while the rest of their body is lighter in color.   Their heads are a greenish yellow color, but have very red eyes.  They stand between 30-40 inches tall and their wingspan is about 50 inches wide.

The incredible part about this bird is their large spoon shaped bill.  They sweep in shallow parts of the lake looking for small fish, shrimp and crab.   The pink color of the bird comes from these foods that they eat.

In most birds, there is a difference in color when it comes to male and female, but the Spoonbill looks the same, no noticeable color difference.    They nest with other species of birds in mangroves and other trees, mostly by the coast.  The man with go and get the things needed and the female builds the nest.  The Spoonbill will lay up to 3 eggs and both male and female will incubate the eggs for upto 24 days.  The babies stay in the nest and are fed by both mom and dad for up to 45 days.

The Roseate is mostly found in Florida Bay, Tampa Bay and Brevard County, but for about a month, around June, we do get to see these amazing birds in our area (Osceola County) and out on our tours.

Terri

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