- Ajaia ajaja
Identification
30-32 in (76-81 cm) tall
Ws. 4ft 5in (1.3m)
- Unmistakable
- Long-legged, long-necked
- Long, spatulate bill
Adult
- Bare greenish head
- White neck, breast, and back
- Deep pink otherwise
- Grey bill
- Rich crimson shoulder
- Orange tail
Sexes similar
Immature
- White feathered heads
- Paler pink
- Yellowish or pinkish bill
Distribution
It is a mainly resident breeder in South America, the Caribbean, and the Gulf coast of the USA.
Taxonomy
Sometimes separated in the monotypic genus Ajaja, but recently, many authorities include the species in the genus Platalea. A wading bird of the ibis and spoonbill family, Threskiornithidae.
The species is monotypic.
Habitat
Nests in mangrove trees.
Behaviour
Breeding
It lays 2-5 eggs. It does not usually share colonies with storks or herons.
Feeding & Diet
These birds spend much time feeding in the shallow waters of Florida Bay and the Gulf of Mexico on shrimp, small fish, snails, and aquatic insects, which they detect by their sense of touch as they rhythmically sweep their "spoon-shaped" bills from side to side as they walk steadily through the water, often in groups.
Voice
Low croaks and clucking sounds.
Discussion
Early in the century their numbers were severely depleted by plume hunters, but with protective laws they have increased once again.
In 2006, a banded bird 16 years old was discovered, the oldest known individual.
