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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.

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

The beautiful and striking roseate spoonbill is usually found in Florida, the Southeast Atlantic coast, Cuba and near the Gulf of Mexico.

From Washington Post • Aug. 3, 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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