The roseate spoonbill, Ajaia ajaja, can be recognized by its bright pink body, white neck, and flat spoon like bill. It is the only pink bird that breeds in Florida and the only spoonbill native to the Western Hemisphere. The roseate spoonbill nests primarily on coastal mangrove islands and willow heads at freshwater sites. It forages in shallow waters and mostly resides along the coasts. Most of the breeding population can be found in Florida Bay, where nesting occurs primarily from November - March. Outside of Florida, the roseate spoonbill breeds along the coasts of Louisiana, Texas, the Bahamas, Cuba, Central America, and South America. Many of the known breeding sites are within wildlife refuges. Even in protected areas, nesting colonies are vulnerable to human disturbance and unprotected foraging sites are susceptible to human alteration. It is recommended that buffer zones of at least 330 feet be established around nesting colonies and that boat traffic be monitored.