My Spoonbill Photo Published in The Guardian

Photographing Roseate Spoonbills in Flight at the Orlando Wetlands 

I shot this roseate spoonbill photo at Orlando Wetlands Park in Christmas, Florida, a top Florida wildlife photography location for pink wading birds. Golden light illuminated its vibrant pink plumage from carotenoid-rich crustaceans, shrimp, and small fish in its diet – similar to flamingos.

Roseate Spoonbill Facts: Pink Plumage, Spoon Bill Feeding, Florida Breeding

Feeding & Diet

Roseate spoonbills sweep their spoon-shaped bills through shallow Florida wetlands to feel for prey in murky water. Their specialized diet includes shrimp, crabs, crayfish, minnows, killifish, aquatic insects, and mollusks. Bill-tip nerves detect prey by touch, allowing them to forage effectively in low-visibility conditions.​

Pink Plumage & Ecosystem Health

Carotenoids from their prey tint feathers pink – brighter, more saturated colors signal healthy, prey-rich ecosystems. A vibrant spoonbill is a living indicator of wetland productivity.​

Breeding & Courtship

During breeding season, adults develop carmine-red legs and orange facial skin. Courtship involves aggressive interactions followed by bill-clasping and mutual stick presentations. Spoonbills nest colonially over water in mangroves or trees for protection from ground predators.​

Nesting & Fledging

They lay 2-3 eggs per nest. Chicks leave the nest at 5-6 weeks and achieve strong flight capability at 7-8 weeks total