Everglades Birding Tour: Roseate Spoonbill

The beautifully colored roseate spends much of its time feeding in shallow water sweeping its open bill from side to side sifting up crabs, small fish, shrimp, etc. It has touch receptors in its bill that help it feel its prey. Its striking pink color and yellow/green head make it a dramatic sight on the mudflats surrounding Flamingo and when a group feeds together the flat shimmers pink.

The image to the right is a fun display of how the roseate sweeps its bill, taken by Alan Reeves.

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