Spoonbills are tall white waterbirds with long spatulate black bills and long black legs. In flight they fly with necks and legs extended, in the water they feed with elegant sideward sweeps of their bill. In the breeding season adults show some yellow on their breast and bill tip. The species is of European conservation concern and a very rare breeding bird in the UK. Most birds migrate south in the winter, but numerous individuals remain and winter in Western Europe.
Key ID Features:
Adults are large all-white, heron-like birds with black legs and a long, broad, black bill with a yellow tip.
Juveniles are similar to adult but with pinkish bill and legs and black marks on wing tips.
Strong, direct flight with regular wing beats and head outstretched.
Overview
Scientific name: Platalea leucorodea
Family: Ibises and spoonbills (Threskiornithidae)
Where to see them:
Although still uncommon, spoonbills can be seen on coastal sites in north-west and south-west England and East Anglia. RSPB reserves to visit include the Exe Estuary reserves, Arne, and Titchwell Marsh.
Seen in UK:
All year round.
What they eat
Mainly aquatic insects and small fish.
Text (c) RSPB, used with permission
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Photographer: Tim Tapley
