2022 April Bird

The featured bird for April is the Roseate Spoonbill flying overhead.

The Roseate Spoonbill is the only spoonbill in North America.

Family: Threskiornithidae
Species: Platalea ajaja
Length: 30 – 40 inches
Wingspan: 50 – 53 inches
Some migrate

In Germany, I grew up with the tradition of the birthday bird (Geburstagsvogel) bringing the presents. When on my birthday in April 2020, when we were all in a full covid lock-down and therefore couldn’t go on my birthday trip, we went out on our boat and I got to photograph what was highest on my wish list: a roseate spoonbill in flight. That’s when I knew what the birthday bird looks like.

While walking in the water, the Roseate Spoonbill sweeps its spoonbill back and forth. When it comes across prey, the bill will snap shut.

As the pink bird flights overhead with its neck and and legs extended, it’s often mistaken for a pink flamingo, which are rare to see outside of the Everglades.

If in Florida, you see a large pink bird flying by, it’s most likely a Roseate Spoonbill and not an American Flamingo.