A roseate spoonbill with pale pink feathers and a long, flat beak stands on grass, surrounded by a blurred green background at Paignton Zoo in Devon, UK

Roseate Spoonbill

Paignton Zoo cares for six roseate spoonbills. You can meet our vibrant flock up at the ABC aviaries.

Roseate SpoonbillPlatalea ajaja

  • Class:

    Aves

  • Order:

    Pelecaniformes

  • Family:

    Threskiornithidae

About the roseate spoonbill

The roseate spoonbill inhabits shallow wetlands, marshes, and coastal lagoons across the Americas, including the United States, Mexico, Brazil, and Argentina. It is recognised by its pink plumage and distinctive spoon-shaped bill used to sweep through water for prey.

It feeds on aquatic invertebrates and small fish in shallow habitats.

Conservation

The species is classified as Least Concern, though wetland loss and pollution across parts of the Americas can affect regional populations.