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roseate spoonbill

American  

noun

  1. a tropical New World spoonbill, Ajaia ajaja, having rose-colored plumage and a bare head.


Etymology

Origin of roseate spoonbill

An Americanism dating back to 1775–85

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

The Franco-Belgian couturier referenced the extravagant plumage of a roseate spoonbill or the crested cockatoo alongside the humble crow, grey pigeon and magpie.

From Barron's Jan. 27, 2026

You will see dolphins, terns, maybe even a roseate spoonbill.

From Salon Feb. 1, 2023

The roseate spoonbill, like the flamingo a large, pink wading bird, is more widespread in the state and is not listed as threatened.

From Seattle Times Nov. 5, 2021

About that bald head — middle-aged men should have a special empathy with the roseate spoonbill, which loses feathers from the top of its head as it gets older.

From Washington Post Aug. 6, 2021

Its nest, its pallet, was of every kind of precious feather— Of lovely cotinga feathers, roseate spoonbill feathers, quetzal feathers.

From "1491" by Charles C. Mann

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