Color In The Sky

by Jo Ann Gregg

Title

Color In The Sky

Artist

Jo Ann Gregg

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Photograph

Description

A Roseate Spoonbill takes off in search of sticks to build its nest. The roseate spoonbill is a large wading bird known for its pink plumage and distinctive spoon-shaped bill.

They forage by sweeping their partly opened spoon-shaped bill through the water, feeling and looking for crustaceans such as shrimp, prawns, aquatic insects, and fish. Once they feel the prey on their bill they snap it closed, often swallowing the item whole.

Roseate Spoonbills nest in colonies with egrets, ibises, and herons, typically on islands or over standing water. They nest in mangroves, Brazilian pepperbush, willows, sea myrtle, and other shrubs near the water. They tend to put their nests in the shadiest part of the tree or shrub, up to 16 feet high.

 In colonies males bob their heads up and down while shaking nearby twigs to get the attention of a female. Interested pairs may bite each other's bills or may raise their outstretched wings above their body. Once paired, males present females with sticks, which they shake while holding them in their bills. Pairs generally stay together only for one breeding season.

Uploaded

June 27th, 2019

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