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Spoonbill at Alkborough Flats in North Lincolnshire, England - September 2016

www.rspb.org.uk/discoverandenjoynature/discoverandlearn/b...

 

 

Spoonbills are tall white waterbirds with long spatulate black bills and long black legs. In flight they fly with necks and legs extended, in the water they feed with elegant sideward sweeps of their bill. In the breeding season adults show some yellow on their breast and bill tip. The species is of European conservation concern and a very rare breeding bird in the UK. Most birds migrate south in the winter, but numerous individuals remain and winter in Western Europe.

 

 

Overview

 

Latin name

 

Platalea leucorodia

 

 

Family

 

Ibises and spoonbills (Threskiornithidae)

 

 

Where to see them

 

Although still uncommon, spoonbills can be seen on coastal sites in north-west and south-west England and East Anglia. RSPB reserves to visit include the Exe Estuary reserves, Arne, and Titchwell Marsh.

 

 

When to see them

 

All year round

 

 

What they eat

 

Mainly aquatic insects and small fish.

 

 

Population

 

UK Breeding:- 0-4 pairs

 

UK Wintering:- 20 birds

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Uploaded on September 26, 2016
Taken on September 24, 2016