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THE SWAMP Continued

ROSEATE SPOONBILL

Platalea ajaja

Fascinating Fact: During breeding season, the male and female
build a nest together. The female is the lead architect and nest
builder, using sticks and other materials flown up to her by the
male. If building materials don’t meet her needs, the female
drops them and the male must search again.
The bird gets its name from its spoon-shaped bill. It forages
for food by sweeping its open bill through water. Its sensitive
bill can strain fish, crustaceans, aquatic invertebrates, and other
edibles out of the water.
The roseate spoonbill is found along the Gulf Coast, in the
Caribbean islands, and South America. Most of them migrate
south during the winter. Like the scarlet ibis, its beautiful
coloring comes from pigments in the foods it eats. This species
is not endangered. The Chicago Zoological Society (CZS), which
manages Brookfield Zoo, participates in the Association of Zoos
and Aquariums’ Species Survival Plan® (SSP) for this species.

BOAT-BILLED HERON

Cochlearius cochlearius

Fascinating Fact: This heron has a loudmouth reputation
and a vast repertoire of calls and songs, especially during
courtship. Its calls can sound like laughter or jeering.
During the day, it roosts or nests in thick bushes
or trees. Native to Central and South America, this
medium-sized bird has shorter legs than other herons.
It also has a large and broad, scoop-shaped bill and
prominent black eyes that help it find prey in the dark.
It can feed by plowing through shallow water
with its bill open. Scientists believe that touch sensors
in the tip of the bill enable the bird to feel its prey.
Although not endangered, its numbers are falling
mainly due to the deforestation of its rain forest
habitat. CZS participates in the Association of Zoos
and Aquariums’ (AZA) Boat-billed Heron SSP.

18 GATEWAYS | THE SWAMP