The African Spoonbill (Platalea alba) is a wading bird of the ibis and spoonbill family Threskiornithidae.
Distribution
This species is a widespread resident across Africa and Madagascar.
Breeding / Nesting
The African Spoonbill occurs in marshy wetlands with some open shallow water, nesting in colonies in trees or reedbeds. It does not usually share colonies with storks or herons. Usually two to four eggs are laid.
Description
The African Spoonbill is almost unmistakable through most of its range. The breeding bird is all white except for its red legs and face and long grey spatulate bill. It has no crest, unlike the Common Spoonbill. Immature birds lack the red face and have a yellow bill. Unlike herons, spoonbills fly with their necks outstretched.
Diet / Feeding
This spoonbill feeds on various fish, mollusks and amphibians.
Status
The African Spoonbill is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies.
References
- BirdLife International (2004). Platalea alba. 2006.
