If
you are in Florida and see a pink bird flying over-head, you are most likely
seeing the Roseate Spoonbill, which is commonly confused with the Flamingo. The
Roseate Spoonbill is not a Flamingo, they are not even related. Although, like
the Flamingo, they are thought to
have the same process of developing their pink feathers by eating a diet of
carotenoid-rich organisms like shrimp. The Roseate Spoonbill has not been well
researched like the Flamingo. I think this is one of the reasons why they are being
mis-identified and shoved to the side. I mean really, have you ever seen a
Spoonbill lawn ornament? Does nobody care about this incredible, cutlery-shaped,
pink and red bird?!
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| NOT A FLAMINGO |
My scientific question is: Are Roseate Spoonbill populations
decreasing?
Yes, this seems like a relatively easy question to gather information
on, but when I started to indulge myself I could not find any solid answers. In
fact I found three articles that seem to have different opinions of this
species status. From what I gathered, it seems that this species is not
threatened on a global scale, but state-wide they are imperiled. Also, they are
not listed Federally. I am inclined to believe that their populations are on
the decline due to major habitat loss and disturbance here in Florida, but I
could be wrong. The Roseate Spoonbill is known to make a come-back. About one
hundred years ago they were hunted to near extinction in the famous plume trade
of the late 1800’s, with a record of only 15 breeding pairs left by the early
1940’s. However, in the late 70’s the breeding pairs peaked to around 1,300,
then apparently started to decline in the 80’s, and went back up in the 90’s (FWC 2003). So,
how are their populations doing today? I have not been able to find an internet
resource for this question. There really has been very little research on this
magnificent bird. My goal is to speak up for our pink, native bird and get some
more published research out there!
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| My educational tool. |
http://www.fnai.org/FieldGuide/pdf/Ajaia_ajaja.PDF
http://www.eol.org/pages/1064972/overview
Cited works:
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. 2003, January 6. Florida's breeding bird atlas: A collaborative study of Florida's birdlife. http://www.myfwc.com/bba/ (Date accessed 02/08/2018).
Ray--is there any data on bird counts anywhere for the state of Florida? Have you identified any particular locations that this species is encountered? My hope is that you can find some established data so that you can go out and compare your counts to their counts.
ReplyDeleteAnother thought--the fact that you suggest that Spoonbills are moving further north--do you think that might be associated with climate change? If so--THIS IS A BIG DEAL!!!
ReplyDeleteA method that you could try is mapping possible habitat areas, and checking (or asking a local bird-watching group to check) for any Spoonbill sightings. If they are moving further north, it might be easier to contact local clubs for help, I'm sure they would be more than happy to let you know if they spot a Spoonbill, and it may lead to more widespread interest in them.
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