African Spoonbill

Platalea alba

The African Spoonbill (Platalea alba) is a striking wading bird with a distinctive spoon-shaped bill. This species is found in sub-Saharan Africa, inhabiting shallow freshwater and brackish wetlands such as marshes, lakes, and rivers. African Spoonbills are known for their elegant white plumage, long legs, and graceful feeding behavior. They use their unique bill to sweep through the water, capturing small aquatic invertebrates and fish. These birds are typically seen in small groups or pairs, and their breeding colonies can be found in trees or reedbeds near water. The African Spoonbill is not currently considered to be at risk, with a stable population and a conservation status of Least Concern according to the IUCN Red List.

Habitat: Shallow freshwater and brackish wetlands

African Spoonbill
© Richard Mortel from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia · Wikimedia Commons · CC BY 2.0

Tours where you can spot this bird

Birds and Wildlife of Kenya with Lawson's Safaris
Birds and Wildlife of Kenya with Lawson's Safaris
Kenya / Nairobi Group tour 16 days | 0h

A 16-day Kenya birding safari from Nairobi through Samburu, Ol Pejeta, Rift Valley lakes, Kakamega, Lake Victoria and the Masai Mara....

From 7390.00 USD Next: 2027-05-17
16 Days Central, Northern and Western Kenya Birding
16 Days Central, Northern and Western Kenya Birding
Kenya / Nairobi Private tour 16 days | 0h

Kenya birding route through Nairobi, Mount Kenya, Samburu, Lake Nakuru, Lake Baringo, Kakamega, Kisumu, Masai Mara, Naivasha and Kinangop....

From 3767.00 USD
Birds of Northern Tanzania Safari with Oluokos Signature
Birds of Northern Tanzania Safari with Oluokos Signature
Tanzania / Arusha Custom tour 7 days | 0h

A northern Tanzania birding tour for endemic and regional species across Arusha, Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro, Tarangire and Serengeti-style hab...

From 4600.00 USD
Bird Watching at Impala Park and Dunga Boardwalk
Bird Watching at Impala Park and Dunga Boardwalk
Kenya / Kisumu Group tour 1 day | 0h

A Kisumu day trip combining Impala Park Sanctuary, Lake Victoria waterfront, Dunga Community Boardwalk and papyrus birding....

From 436.00 USD
Kisumu and Lake Victoria Birding Day Trip
Kisumu and Lake Victoria Birding Day Trip
Kenya / Kisumu Group tour 1 day | 0h

A Lake Victoria birding day trip from Kisumu focused on papyrus, swamp, lakeshore, farmland and Impala Park birds....

From 436.00 USD
Kenya Bird Watching Safari with Oluokos Signature
Kenya Bird Watching Safari with Oluokos Signature
Kenya / Nairobi Custom tour 14 days | 0h

A 14-day Kenya birdwatching safari linking Nairobi, Rift Valley lakes, Kakamega Forest, Western Kenya, Lake Victoria and the Maasai Mara....

From 14229.00 USD
2-Day West Coast Birding Tour
2-Day West Coast Birding Tour
South Africa / Cape Town Private tour 2 days | 0h

A 2-day West Coast birding itinerary focused on coastal, wetland, fynbos and open-country birding north of Cape Town....

From 0.00 ZAR
10-Day Western Cape Birding Tour
10-Day Western Cape Birding Tour
South Africa / Cape Town Private tour 10 days | 0h

A private or small-group Western Cape birding itinerary from Cape Town through the Cape Peninsula, West Coast, Tankwa Karoo, Agulhas Plain, ...

From 0.00 ZAR
Southern Africa Birding Expedition: Namibia, Okavango & Victoria Falls
Southern Africa Birding Expedition: Namibia, Okavango & Victoria Falls
Namibia / Walvis Bay Group tour 18 days | 0h

This birdwatching journey through Namibia, the Okavango Delta, and Victoria Falls combines southern Africa’s most iconic landscapes with e...

From 10206.00 USD