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Eurasian spoonbill
Platalea leucorodia
37.1225, -7.6212
Field Notes
Description:
Has a long bill wtih a spatula-shaped tip, making it easily distinguishable from a white egret (can be confused as are similar size and shape). Flies with neck extended, like a heron. Beak and legs are black in adults, lighter in juveniles.
Habitat:
Requires access to sheltered shallow open water, and also salt ponds. Feeds on molluscs, crustaceans and small fish. Doesn't normally mix with other species, but I observed them with moor hens, flamingos, egrets and herons.
Notes:
Photographed in the Rio Formosa National Park, on salt flats. These are the first spoonbills I've seen since they migrated for the summer. They're now starting to come back for the winter.
Reference Links:
Spoonbill
Species ID Suggestions
Spotted for Missions
Photographed
PublishedAugust 27, 2011
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