vogel, euraziatische lepelaar, langbenige waadvogel

Eurasian Spoonbill

9 hours ago door Henk Spuijbroek

Points: 40

Spotted

The Eurasian Spoonbill is a large, elegant white wading bird easily recognized by its distinctive, spatulate (spoon-shaped) bill. It employs a unique feeding technique, sweeping its bill through shallow water to catch prey.

Where to spot

Found across a broad range in Europe, Asia, and Africa, inhabiting extensive freshwater and brackish wetlands, estuaries, and coastal lagoons.

How to spot

Identify by its pure white plumage (with a yellowish breast patch in breeding adults), long dark legs, and most notably, its unique spoon-shaped bill. Watch for its characteristic side-to-side sweeping motion of the bill in shallow water while feeding.

When to spot

Present year-round in warmer parts of its range, with northern populations migrating south for winter. Best observed during daylight hours, especially in the breeding season (spring/summer) when nesting in colonies.

Where to spot

Found across a broad range in Europe, Asia, and Africa, inhabiting extensive freshwater and brackish wetlands, estuaries, and coastal lagoons.

How to spot

When to spot

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The unique spoon-shaped bill of the Eurasian Spoonbill is highly specialized for feeding; it uses nerve endings in the bill to sense small aquatic prey as it sweeps through the water, allowing for rapid capture.

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