Here at our Costa Rican retreat, nestled amidst the emerald embrace of the mountains, we focus on the symphony of nature that surrounds us. But Costa Rica’s beauty extends far beyond the lush rainforests. The Pacific and Caribbean coasts boast a vibrant ecosystem teeming with life, and today, we set our sights on a particularly striking visitor – the Roseate Spoonbill.

Imagine a vision in pink wading gracefully through shallow waters. The Roseate Spoonbill, with its flamboyant plumage and unique bill, is a sight to behold. While not as common as some resident birds, these rose-colored wonders grace Costa Rica’s coastal regions, particularly during the dry season (December to April).

These medium-sized wading birds stand out with their:

• Flamboyant Feathers: Their most striking feature is undoubtedly their rose-colored plumage. This vibrant hue isn’t just for show – it comes from their diet, rich in carotenoid pigments similar to those that color flamingos.
• Spoon-shaped Bill: The namesake feature, the Roseate Spoonbill’s bill is broad and flat, widening at the end into a distinct spoon shape. This specialized tool is perfectly adapted for their unique feeding style.
• Contrasting Colors: Balancing the pink is a bare, greenish head (turning a fascinating “golden buff” during breeding season) and a white neck and chest.

While they might steal the show with their looks, Roseate Spoonbills are fascinating for their behavior as well. Look for them:

• Wading Gracefully: They stalk their prey in shallow waters, slowly wading forward with their bodies held horizontally and their heads hung low. Their spoon-shaped bills become sifting tools, sweeping back and forth through the water to stir up small fish, crustaceans, and aquatic insects.
• Social Creatures: Roseate Spoonbills are gregarious birds, often seen foraging in flocks. They nest colonially in trees and shrubs near water bodies, sometimes alongside other wading birds like herons and egrets.

While you won’t find these pink beauties flitting through the mountain forests surrounding our retreat, a trip to the coast during the dry season might present the perfect opportunity to witness their captivating presence. If you’re lucky enough to spot a Roseate Spoonbill, take a moment to appreciate this unique visitor, a splash of pink adding a touch of the extraordinary to Costa Rica’s coastal tapestry.

Beyond the Blog:

• While not as prevalent in Costa Rica as in other parts of their range, sightings of Roseate Spoonbills are possible along the Pacific and Caribbean coasts, particularly in protected areas like Palo Verde National Park and Carara National Park.
• Costa Rica boasts a staggering variety of birdlife, with over 850 species recorded. Stay tuned for future blog posts where we’ll explore more feathered wonders!

For more information, please view our comprehensive guide about the birds of Costa Rica