Black-faced Spoonbill
NameBlack-faced Spoonbill
Common NameBlack-faced Spoonbill
Scientific NamePlatalea minor
FamilyThreskiornithidae
Wingspan (cm)110
Length (cm)74
Weight (g)1200
Plumage DetailsAdults have entirely white body plumage. During breeding season, they develop a distinctive yellowish crest on the nape and a yellowish wash on the lower neck and upper breast. The face is bare and black, extending to the base of the long, spatulate black bill. Legs are dark.
Vocalization / CallGenerally a silent bird, but may produce grunts, clacks, and hisses, particularly when disturbed or at nesting colonies.
Primary Dietcarnivore
Primary Habitatswetland, coastal
Conservation Statusendangered
Geographic RangeFound in East Asia, breeding on small islands off the coasts of Korea and China, and wintering in southern China, Taiwan, Japan, Vietnam, and the Philippines.
Identifying Featuresdistinctive spatulate black bill, black bare face, white plumage, yellowish crest (breeding plumage), yellowish breast patch (breeding plumage)
Description
The Black-faced Spoonbill is a medium-sized wading bird characterized by its distinctive spatulate bill. It forages in shallow waters, sweeping its bill from side to side to detect and capture aquatic prey.
