Species profile
About this species
The Roseate Spoonbill is a striking wading bird found across the Americas, instantly recognisable by its vivid pink & red plumage & distinctive spatula-shaped bill. It feeds by sweeping its spoon-shaped bill from side to side through shallow water to catch fish, crustaceans & aquatic invertebrates. Adults develop deeper pink & carmine colouring as they mature, with bare greenish skin on the head during breeding season.
Roseate Spoonbills inhabit shallow coastal wetlands, mangrove swamps, estuaries & freshwater marshes. They are commonly found in the Gulf Coast of the United States, Central America, the Caribbean & South America, favouring areas with calm, shallow water rich in aquatic prey.
Where to photograph
Where our trips feature this species
You can photograph Roseate Spoonbill with us in the United States.
These departures are part of our North America programme.
In the field, David Miles helps guests make the most of these encounters.
Field notes
Photography notes
Early morning & late afternoon light during the dry season (October to April) offer the best photographic conditions, particularly in Florida & the Gulf Coast. Breeding colonies are most active & accessible between December & June in southern Florida.
Position yourself low to the water's edge to capture the bird at eye level, which creates a more intimate & compelling composition. Use a fast shutter speed of at least 1/1000s to freeze the sweeping bill motion during feeding, & a telephoto lens of 500mm or longer to avoid disturbing the birds. Shoot during the golden hour when the warm light enhances the bird's pink & rose tones, making the plumage appear even more vivid against the water.
Available holidays
Trips featuring Roseate Spoonbill
The holidays below are pulled from the same species relationship, so the guide stays tied to live departures rather than becoming a static article.