Breeding adult © mathew thekkethala eBird S41192527 Macaulay Library ML 78640881
Immature © José Frade
Nonbreeding adult © Ting-Wei (廷維) HUNG (洪)
Immature © Becky Marvil
Breeding adult © Manoj Karingamadathil
+ 4
Breeding adult © Anonymous
© Dobrin Botev
© Bhaskar pandeti

Eurasian Spoonbill Platalea leucorodia

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Identification

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Distinctive, large white wading bird with a spatula for a bill. Adult has short crest, yellowish breast patch. First year has paler bill, with fine black wingtips visible in flight. Sleeping birds have horizontal posture and bulging neck, vs. more vertical stance of egrets. Found in wetlands with shallow water (including tidal flats), where feeds by sweeping its bill side-to-side for crustaceans and small fish. May be confused with egrets when sleeping, but note stockier, more thickset overall appearance.

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