Roseate Spoonbills

The Roseate Spoonbill (Platalea ajaja) is one of Florida's most striking and unusual birds. Often mistaken for flamingos by visitors, these gorgeous wading birds are a spectacular sight with their bright pink plumage and unique, spoon-shaped bills.

They are commonly found in the shallow wetlands, mangroves, and grass flats of the Indian River Lagoon system, where they use their specialized bills to forage for food.

Spoonbill Facts

• •They get their pink color from the crustaceans they eat, similar to flamingos.
• •They feed by sweeping their partially opened spoon-shaped bill side to side in the water.
• •Their bills have sensitive nerve endings that snap shut instantly when they feel a fish or shrimp.
• •Unlike flamingos, which have long, curved necks, spoonbills fly with their necks outstretched.
• •They are highly social birds and often feed and roost in groups.

Roseate Spoonbills prefer shallow, muddy water where they can wade and forage. Look for them along the edges of the mangrove islands and in the shallow grass flats of the Indian River Lagoon.

They are most active during the early morning and late afternoon. While sailing, we occasionally spot them flying overhead—a flash of bright pink against the blue Florida sky—or quietly feeding near the shoreline.

Are there flamingos in Cocoa Beach?

Why do they sweep their heads back and forth?

Are they born pink?

Are they endangered?

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