A large, elegant white waterbird with a distinctive spatulate (spoon-shaped) bill, found across Australasia. It uses its unique bill to sweep through shallow water for food.
Where to spot
Freshwater and saltwater wetlands, estuaries, mudflats, and shallow lakes across Australia, New Zealand, New Guinea, and Indonesia.
How to spot
Look for its all-white plumage, bare black face, and large, spoon-shaped black bill. Observe its characteristic side-to-side sweeping motion of its bill while foraging in shallow water.
When to spot
Year-round. Most active during daylight hours, particularly in the mornings and evenings.
Where to spot
Freshwater and saltwater wetlands, estuaries, mudflats, and shallow lakes across Australia, New Zealand, New Guinea, and Indonesia.
How to spot
Look for its all-white plumage, bare black face, and large, spoon-shaped black bill. Observe its characteristic side-to-side sweeping motion of its bill while foraging in shallow water.
When to spot
Year-round. Most active during daylight hours, particularly in the mornings and evenings.
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
The Royal Spoonbill has specialized sensory receptors on its bill that allow it to detect vibrations from prey, even in murky water.
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