Roseate Spoonbill (Platalea ajaja), Gilbert Water Ranch, Maricopa County

This Roseate Spoonbill was found and photographed by Jason W on 13 September 2016

Although considered a regular visitor to the state through the 1970's, it has been much rarer and less regular since, probably associated with the decline of waterbird habitat in the Colorado River Delta in nearby Mexico. However, an increase in records in recent years led the ABC to remove this species from the Review List in 2014.

Unmistakable large pink water birds with a spatulate bill. This is a first year bird because of the fully feathered head. Second year birds also lack the red shoulders of adults, but have the bald forehead typical of adults and are usually brighter pink. Adult plumage is acquired in the third year.

13 September 2016, photo by Jason W

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