Black-faced Spoonbill

Overview

A white spoonbill with a black face and a spoon-shaped bill, globally endangered.

History & Origin

The Black-faced Spoonbill occurs naturally in East Asia. Waders and shorebirds (herons, egrets, storks, ibises, plovers, sandpipers and allies) frequent shorelines, mudflats, wetlands, rivers and wet grasslands worldwide, many undertaking epic migrations.

Appearance & Size

It is a Large (75-85cm) bird. They are united by long legs, long or specialised bills and compact, often camouflaged bodies; herons and egrets add sinuous necks and elegant plumes.

Temperament & Behavior

Most are wary, flocking or solitary shore visitors that feed by probing, gleaning or stalking; they are wild birds, not kept as pets, though some herons adapt to wetlands in captivity.

Care & Husbandry

Their diet is fish, crustaceans, molluscs, worms and other invertebrates taken from mud, water or vegetation with their sensitive bills. Beyond aviaries and zoos, waders need shallow wading water, soft substrate for probing and a diet of live and prepared aquatic foods; specialist husbandry is required.

Health & Lifespan

The greatest threat is habitat loss and disturbance on migratory stopovers; in care, bumblefoot, parasites and nutritional disease are the main concerns. Wild lifespans vary, with many reaching 10-20 years.

Popularity & Recognition

Shorebirds include some of the longest-distance migrants on the planet; their spectacular assemblies on coastlines are key indicators of wetland health.