Eurasian Spoonbill
Least ConcernPlatalea leucorodia
Visual Identification
Eurasian Spoonbill
Appearance
The Eurasian Spoonbill is a large, striking wading bird with predominantly white plumage. Its most distinctive feature is the long, flat, spatula-shaped black bill with a yellow tip. The bird stands tall on long, black legs.
During the breeding season, adults develop a yellowish breast patch, which may form a complete collar in some birds, and a crest of long, wispy feathers at the back of the head. Juveniles have a paler, pinkish bill and lack the yellow breast patch and crest.
Size
Length
80cm to 90cm
Wingspan
120cm to 135cm
Weight
1.2kg to 2kg
Colours
Males and females have similar plumage
Primary Colour
White
Secondary Colour
Yellow
Beak Colour
Black Yellow
Leg Colour
Black
Habitat and Distribution
Habitats
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
Distribution
Eurasian Spoonbills inhabit shallow wetlands, estuaries, and coastal lagoons across Europe, Asia, and parts of North Africa. They prefer freshwater and brackish environments with abundant aquatic vegetation.
They occur in many Western European countries, including the UK, Netherlands, France, Spain, Germany, Portugal, and Denmark. Their range extends eastwards through Asia to Japan, south to Sri Lanka, and in several North African countries surrounding the Sahara desert.
During breeding season, they are found in wetlands across Europe and Asia. In winter, many birds migrate to southern Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.
In the UK, they are increasingly seen year-round, with breeding populations established in recent years. Birdwatchers may spot them at the following reserves:
- Hazelwood Marshes, Suffolk
- Brownsea Island, Dorset
- RSPB Arne, Dorset
- Cley Marshes, Norfolk
- Holkham National Nature Reserve, Norfolk
- Titchwell Marsh, Norfolk
- Exe Estuary, Devon
Elevation Range
Up to 2,000 meters
Climate zones
Temperate, Subtropical, Tropical
Distribution Map
Distribution by Region
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
Hover over the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Diet
Eurasian Spoonbills are primarily carnivorous and feed on small aquatic animals. Their diet includes fish, crustaceans, frogs, molluscs, and aquatic insects. They also eat small amounts of aquatic vegetation and algae.
The Spoonbill’s immense bill is held slightly open as it searches for its prey in the water column. Prey is seized at the tip and deftly thrown upwards to the throat to be swallowed whole.
They often forage in groups, taking advantage of concentrated food sources.
Behaviour
Eurasian Spoonbills are often seen wading in shallow water, sweeping their distinctive bills from side to side to filter small aquatic animals.
They are generally social birds, often foraging and nesting in small groups. During flight, they extend their necks and legs, forming a characteristic straight line.
Vocalisation
Eurasian Spoonbills are generally quiet birds. During the breeding season, they produce soft grunting or barking sounds, particularly in colonies. When alarmed, they may emit a harsh, guttural 'krek-krek' call.
Bill-clattering is also an important form of communication, especially during courtship rituals.
Nesting & Breeding
Eurasian Spoonbills typically breed in colonies, often alongside other wading birds. Pair formation begins in early spring, with elaborate courtship displays involving bill clapping and feather ruffling.
Nests are large platforms of sticks and vegetation, usually built in trees or dense reedbeds. Females lay 3-4 chalky white eggs with reddish-brown spots. Both parents share incubation duties.
Incubation lasts about 21-25 days. Chicks fledge after 6-7 weeks but remain dependent on their parents for several more weeks, learning essential foraging techniques.
Lifespan
The Eurasian Spoonbill typically lives for 10 to 20 years, with a maximum recorded lifespan of 30.1 years.
Like all birds, lifespan can be affected by factors including predation, habitat quality, disease, and access to food sources.
Conservation and Status
Global Conservation Status
While currently listed as Least Concern globally, Eurasian Spoonbills face threats from habitat loss and degradation. Conservation efforts focus on protecting wetland habitats and managing water levels in key breeding areas.
In some regions, such as the UK, reintroduction programs have been successful in re-establishing breeding populations.
Population Data
Global Population Estimate
63,000 - 65,000 individuals [3]
Global Population Trend
Trend data may be uncertain or fluctuating
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for Eurasian Spoonbills in shallow wetlands, estuaries, and coastal lagoons
- Observe their distinctive feeding behaviour, sweeping their bills through the water
- Listen for their soft grunting sounds, especially in breeding colonies
- In the UK, visit coastal areas in East Anglia or the South Coast for the best chances of spotting them
Additional Information
Quick Facts
Other names:
Common Spoonbill
Family:
ThreskiornithidaePredators
Adult Eurasian Spoonbills have few natural predators, but eggs and chicks are vulnerable to large gulls, ravens, and birds of prey. Foxes and other mammals may also pose a threat to ground-nesting colonies.
Did You Know?
- The Eurasian Spoonbill's bill is highly sensitive and contains numerous nerve endings to detect prey.
- These birds often rest with their bills tucked under their wings, giving them a distinctive silhouette.
- Spoonbills can live up to 20 years in the wild, with the oldest recorded individual reaching 30 years.
- Young Spoonbills are affectionately known as ‘teaspoons’ before their bill has reached full adult proportions.
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FAQs
Is a Spoonbill a heron?
Spoonbills are not closely related to herons, although they frequent similar habitats and bear a superficial resemblance. Herons are from the Ardeidae family, while Spoonbills are from the Threskiornithidae family.
What do you call a group of Spoonbills?
A large group of Spoonbills would most accurately be described as a flock, although a more interesting collective noun has been proposed for the species. Many birdwatchers call a group of Spoonbills a ‘runcible,’ a word first coined by the English artist Edward Lear.
References
- 2
website: BirdLife International. 2019. Platalea leucorodia (amended version of 2016 assessment). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2019: e.T22697555A155460986.
View source - 1 3
report, 2015: Wetlands International