Yellow-billed Spoonbill
NameYellow-billed Spoonbill
Common NameYellow-billed Spoonbill
Scientific NamePlatalea flavipes
FamilyThreskiornithidae
Wingspan (cm)140
Length (cm)90
Weight (g)1800
Plumage DetailsAdults are entirely white, sometimes with a yellowish wash on the back during breeding. They have bare, pale yellow facial skin and a long, pale yellow, spatulate bill. Their legs are long and yellowish.
Vocalization / CallGenerally a silent bird, but may produce soft grunts, hisses, or bill-clattering sounds, particularly when disturbed or at the nest.
Primary Dietcarnivore
Primary Habitatswetland
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeWidespread throughout Australia, with occasional vagrants recorded in New Zealand, Indonesia, and Papua New Guinea.
Identifying FeaturesSpatulate bill, All-white plumage, Pale yellow bill and legs, Bare facial skin
Description
The Yellow-billed Spoonbill is a large, white wading bird characterized by its distinctive long, spatulate (spoon-shaped) bill. It typically forages in shallow waters, sweeping its bill from side to side to filter small aquatic prey.
