African spoonbill

Introduction: African spoonbills (Platalea alba) are often observed in parties from 3 to 30 exclusively in shallow aquatic habitats, such as lake and river margins, seasonal and permanent pans, floodplains, marshes, coastal lagoons and estuaries. Reed-beds and trees are favoured roosting sites.

Distribution: Etosha National Park, Kunene River Mouth, Caprivi, Chobe/Zambezi River systems, Orange River, Fish River Canyon, Swakopmund and Walvis Bay and other southern and central regions.

Diet: Feeds with other wading birds for mainly small fish and aquatic invertebrates. Noted to follow hippos and crocs for disturbed prey.

Description: White or pinkish plumage. Long, spoon-shaped bill, slightly decurved. Bright red feet and legs.

Breeding: In April or June, females lay 2 to 4 eggs in a stick, twig and reed nest, lined with dry grass. Incubation takes up to 29 days.

Size: 90cm.

Weight: 1.6kg.