Pink Birds in Florida – Our Top 6 Pink Birds of Florida

It is a commonly known fact that Florida is a haven for wildlife and in particular, birds. With the long coastline, 3 bodies of water surrounding it and wetlands like the Everglades, it is no wonder Florida is a bird watchers dream. Here we look at some special birds of Florida – the pink ones!

The State of Florida

Most of Florida is classed as subtropical and as such has a mild climate all year round with only the occasional cold snap. Naturally, as you move south down Florida, it gets warmer and the southern end including Miami and the Florida Keys are tropical. This is attractive not only to humans but also to birds and animals. It is estimated that there are over 260 endemic animal and bird species in Florida.

Birds of Florida

Florida is well known for being home to a lot of wading, shore and sea birds. If you were to ask anyone, which of those are pink, they would probably be able to name the spoonbill, ibis and flamingo. They are amongst the most distinct large waders and famous even amongst non-birders. Considering other birds and we may revert to white ones like egrets and herons. Try to find smaller pink ones and it gets a little challenging. We could only name 6.

6 of the best!

Roseate Tern (Sterna dougallii)

By U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Southeast Region

Identification and Size

Not appearing to be very pink, this tern is named because of the pink tint to its belly. The long tail gives this tern an elegant look. It has red legs and bill (with a black tip) which may vary in shade.

Length: 13 – 16.1 inches
Weight: 3.35 – 4.59 ounces

Distribution

The Roseate Tern is seen from spring to fall around the coast of Florida all the way around to Tampa.

Call

Audio by Irish Wildlife Sounds

Diet

While the Roseate Tern may take the occasional crustacean or squid, it feeds almost totally on small fish.

Interesting Fact

The rosy tint to this tern’s breast but is not usually seen in bright sunlight because the tips of the feathers are white. If you want to see a pink looking Roseate Tern, try in cloudy weather.

Rose-breasted Grosbeak (Pheucticus ludovicianus)

Identification and Size

In the breeding season, the male bird sports a vivid black and white plumage offset by the pinky red breast. The female is a buffer brown with streaking around the throat. Both sexes have a pale pink bill.

Length: 7.1 – 8.3 inches
Wingspan: 11.4 – 13.0 inches
Weight: 1.4 – 1.7 ounces

Distribution

The Rose-breasted Grosbeack can be seen in Florida as it passes through on migration between its breeding grounds in the far north and overwintering areas in South America.

Call

Audio by Eric Zawatski

Diet

The Rose-breasted Grosbeak eats about half and half animal and vegetable matter. This consists of insets, fruit and seeds.

Interesting Fact

This bird is not a good nest builder. They can be so flimsy that the eggs can be seen from outside.

Scarlet Ibis (Eudocimus ruber)

Identification and Size

While this bird may not be strictly pink at its finest, it is always included in lists of pink birds. Thas is because of the variable plumage as the bird develops and the distinctive decurved pink bill on all birds.

Length: 22 – 27.9 inches
Weight: 17.8 – 27.1 ounces

Distribution

The Scarlet Ibis is a vagrant visitor to Florida and may (or likely, may not) be seen anywhere in the state.

Call

Audio by Peter Boesman

Diet

The Scarlet Ibis eats mainly crabs with some molluscs, insects and fish.

Interesting Fact

Despite their glamorous plumage, the Scarlet Ibis is not above its ibis and egret cousins and will associate with cattle and other animals looking for disturbed insects.

Purple Finch (Haemorhous purpureus)

Identification

The Purple Finch is similar to the House Finch but the pink/red colors are more pronounced and spread. The female has a plain brown black with buff breast and streaks.

Length: 4.7 – 6.3 inches
Wingspan: 8.7 – 10.2 inches
Weight: 0.6 – 1.1 ounces

Distribution

The Purple Finch makes a biennial migration between Canada and the U.S. North central Florida is as far south and east as they visit.

Call

Audio by Thomas Magarian

Diet

Usually the Purple Finch eats seeds but will take flowers, nectar and the occasional insect.

Interesting Fact

The Purple Finch is losing ground to the House Finch. When they clash over territory, the House Finch always wins.

American Flamingo (Phoenicopterus ruber)

Photo by Chris F

Identification

The American Flamingo is a difficult bird to misidentify. Depending on age and diet, the bird’s plumage ranges from a pale pink to deep red/orange.

Length: 47.2 – 57 inches
Wingspan: 55 – 65 inches
Weight: 74 – 144 ounces

Distribution

The main population of American Flamingo is centered in the Caribbean so a few regularly turn up along the Florida coast. They are no longer resident in Florida after being wiped out by hunting.

Call

Diet

Diet is varied, consisting of crustaceans, molluscs and insects.

Interesting Fact

The American Flamingo filters matter to find food and is often seen with its whole head and neck submerged in mud while it does this. It can still walk at the same time.

Roseate Spoonbill (Platalea ajaja)

Identification and Size

The Roseate Spoonbill is a stunning bird with its bright pink plumage visible from some distance. Pale pink and dark pink patches are accompanied by pink legs. The head and bill are a creamy color and the bill a flattened shape with ridges down it.

Length: 27.9 – 33.9 inches
Wingspan: 47.2 – 51.2 inches
Weight: 42.3 – 63.5 ounces

Distribution

The Roseate Spoonbill breeds in south Florida and can be seen across the state, year round.

Call

Audio by Fernando Igor de Godoy

Diet

The Roseate Spoonbill uses its huge bill to sift through water looking for small water animals and fish.

Interesting Fact

There are 6 species of spoonbill across the globe. The Roseate Spoonbill is the only one that occurs on the American continent.

FAQs

What are the pink birds in Miama, Sarasota, the Everglades etc?

Only the Roseate Spoonbill is now a true resident and is the most likely to be seen across the state.

What is the most likely answer to the question ‘What pink birds are in Florida?’?

This is a very popular question and the answer is always the Roseate Spoonbill, American Flamingo and Scarlet Ibis.

What is the small pink bird in Florida?

There aren’t many is the answer. Most likely seen is the Purple Finch and even that is only in the north of the state.

So, despite common opinion, there is only really one large pink bird in Florida – the Roseate Spoonbill and very few small pink birds. My favorite is still the spoonbill, though. It is attractive and interesting in every respect.

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