Unlike birds that rely heavily on sight to hunt, spoonbills feed primarily by touch. They walk slowly through shallow water with their bill partially open, sweeping it from side to side in a rhythmic motion. When the sensitive inner edges of the bill detect a small fish, shrimp, crab, or aquatic insect, the bill snaps shut reflexively. This technique allows spoonbills to feed even in murky water where visibility is poor. Their diet consists mainly of small fish and crustaceans, particularly shrimp, which play an important role in their coloration.
The pink color of the roseate spoonbill does not come directly from its feathers but from pigments called carotenoids obtained through its diet. These pigments are abundant in shrimp and other crustaceans. As spoonbills consume these animals, the pigments accumulate in their feathers, producing the characteristic pink coloration. Young birds, which have not yet consumed enough carotenoid-rich prey, are much paler, often appearing mostly white with hints of pink. This gradual development of color reflects age, diet, and overall health.
Social behavior in roseate spoonbills varies throughout the year. Outside the breeding season, they are often seen foraging alone or in small groups, sometimes alongside other wading birds such as herons, egrets, and ibises. During the breeding season, however, spoonbills become highly social, nesting in large colonies that may include several different bird species. These mixed-species colonies offer some protection from predators, as many eyes are watching for danger. shutdown123