Georgia Aquarium Introduces New Coastal (and Colorful) Feathered Friends

For the first time ever, Georgia Aquarium is now home to a brand-new coastal birds exhibit, featuring roseate spoonbill and scarlet ibis.

These colorful birds are now on display for guests in the Margaritaville Vacation Club Dolphin Coast gallery. This new habitat is the first of its kind at the Aquarium and features both aquatic and arboreal elements. Guests will learn about the importance, diversity, and delicate balance of coastal ecosystems – especially those found in Georgia.

Roseate spoonbills live in shallow waters and marsh areas along the coastal areas of Southeast U.S. through Central America, the Caribbean, and South America. These light pink to dark red colored birds are aptly named for their long, spoon-shaped bills which have a distinct yellow-green color. They use this large bill to sweep through the water and catch prey. Spoonbills feed mainly off small fish and aquatic invertebrates. This species is very social and will colonize with members of the same order for feeding and breeding. The largest threat to roseate spoonbills is habitat destruction. Learn more about the roseate spoonbill on our animal guide.

Scarlet ibis can be easily spotted from their bright red to pink color with long legs, necks, and beaks. These birds can be found throughout South America, occasionally seen in Florida. Seasonal shifts and migrations move this species between coastal environments and interior wetlands. Ibises use their long beaks to search through water for food and to peck surfaces for other prey. Their diet consists of small fish, crustaceans, mollusks, worms and insects. Like the spoonbill, these are highly social animals, not just for breeding, but also for foraging. This species is vulnerable to predation by large cats which is another reason they stay in large groups. Adult ibises will make a “honking” noise as a form of communication; males and females may also greet each other by wrapping necks. Learn more about scarlet ibis on our animal guide.

See here for photos of our new exhibit and coastal birds.

To learn more about our exhibits, and to purchase tickets, please visit our website.

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