A critically endangered spoonbill species with white plumage, a bare black face, and a distinctive black spoon-shaped bill. It breeds in East Asia and winters further south.
Where to spot
Coastal mudflats, estuaries, and aquaculture ponds in East Asia (breeding in North Korea, South Korea, China; wintering in southern China, Taiwan, Vietnam, Japan, Philippines).
How to spot
Identify by its white plumage, bare black face, and distinctively black, spoon-shaped bill. Often seen foraging in shallow brackish water, sweeping its bill from side to side.
When to spot
Migratory, so best observed during spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) migration, or in wintering grounds (November-March).
Where to spot
Coastal mudflats, estuaries, and aquaculture ponds in East Asia (breeding in North Korea, South Korea, China; wintering in southern China, Taiwan, Vietnam, Japan, Philippines).
How to spot
Identify by its white plumage, bare black face, and distinctively black, spoon-shaped bill. Often seen foraging in shallow brackish water, sweeping its bill from side to side.
When to spot
Migratory, so best observed during spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) migration, or in wintering grounds (November-March).
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
This species is one of the most endangered waterbird species in the world, with its population declining rapidly due to habitat loss and pollution.
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