Eurasian Spoonbill

The Eurasian spoonbill, or common spoonbill, is a wading bird belonging to the ibis and spoonbill family Threskiornithidae. Its scientific name is Platalea leucorodia, with "Platalea" reflecting the broad, spoon-like bill and "leucorodia" originating from Greek, meaning "white heron." This species is almost unmistakable within its range, with adult breeding plumage being predominantly white, save for dark legs, a black bill with a yellow tip, and a distinctive yellow breast patch akin to that of a pelican. It also sports a crest during the breeding season.

Identification Tips

In flight, the Eurasian spoonbill can be recognized by its outstretched neck, contrasting with the retracted necks of herons. Non-breeding adults lack the crest and breast patch, while juveniles have a paler bill and black-tipped primary flight feathers. The species is distinguishable from the African spoonbill in winter by the latter's red face and legs and absence of a crest.

Habitat

Eurasian spoonbills favor extensive, shallow wetlands with muddy or fine sandy substrates. They are found in various marshes, rivers, lakes, floodplains, bogs, and mangrove swamps, indifferent to the salinity of the water. They are particularly drawn to undisturbed islets for nesting and areas with dense vegetation and scattered trees for shelter.

Distribution

The Eurasian spoonbill has a broad range across Europe, Asia, and Africa. In Europe, it is found from the United Kingdom and Portugal to Denmark and the Balkans. Its Asian range extends from the Black Sea to the Korean Peninsula, and in Africa, it is present from Mauritania to the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden coasts.

Behaviour

The species exhibits varying migratory patterns, with more northerly populations migrating south for the winter, while others remain resident or move locally. Eurasian spoonbills typically breed in spring or according to rainfall patterns in tropical regions. They forage alone or in small flocks and roost communally, often far from feeding areas.

Song & Calls

Eurasian spoonbills are generally silent, with the occasional sounds at breeding colonies including bill snapping, deep grunting, and rare trumpeting noises.

Breeding

Nesting occurs on the ground or in vegetation, with nests closely packed within colonies. These colonies are usually situated near feeding grounds. The species breeds in single-species colonies or small groups within mixed-species colonies.

Diet and Feeding

Their diet consists of aquatic insects, mollusks, newts, crustaceans, worms, leeches, frogs, tadpoles, and small fish. They feed by sweeping their bills through the water to filter out prey.

Conservation status

The Eurasian spoonbill is currently classified as Least Concern, with a stable and possibly increasing population. However, it faces threats from habitat loss, pollution, and human disturbance. Conservation efforts include habitat protection and the formation of the Eurasian Spoonbill International Expert Group.