Spoonbills, specifically the roseate spoonbill, are native to Florida and are common in coastal areas, marshes, and lagoons throughout the state. A roseate spoonbill is not a flamingo. While both are wading birds with bright pink plumage, they are not closely related. Roseate spoonbills are closely associated with ibises, pelicans, herons, and egrets.
Roseate Spoonbill Closeup
The roseate spoonbill is a social wading bird of the ibis and spoonbill family. It is pink due to the carotenoid pigments it ingests from its diet of shrimp and other crustaceans. These pigments, which are also responsible for the color of many fruits and vegetables, are absorbed into the bird’s feathers, giving it its distinctive pink coloration.
There is one sitting on the sign at Sylvan Heights Bird Park depicting that they are the residents of South America.
Roseate Spoonbill
Roseate Spoonbill on Sign