Eurasian Spoonbill

Platalea leucorodia

The Eurasian Spoonbill, scientifically known as Platalea leucorodia, is a striking wading bird with a distinctive spoon-shaped bill. This large, long-legged bird is predominantly white with black primary flight feathers and a yellow patch at the base of its bill. It is known for its graceful, sweeping flight and its unique feeding behavior, where it swings its bill from side to side in shallow water to catch prey. Eurasian Spoonbills are commonly found in marshes, wetlands, and coastal lagoons, where they forage for fish, crustaceans, and insects. These birds are known for their impressive breeding displays, often forming large colonies in suitable habitats. They are considered a species of Least Concern by the IUCN, with stable populations in many parts of their range.

Habitat: Marshes, wetlands, coastal lagoons