Yellow-billed Spoonbill

Bird

The Yellow-billed Spoonbill is a large wading bird found across Australia in freshwater wetlands, floodplains, and shallow lakes. Easily recognized by its long, spoon-shaped bill and pale yellow colouring, it sweeps its bill side-to-side to catch aquatic prey like insects, crustaceans, and small fish. This striking bird plays a vital role in wetland ecosystems by helping control invertebrate populations.

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SCIENTIFIC NAME:

Platalea flavipes

FAMILY:

Threskiornithidae

NATIONAL CONSERVATION STATUS:

Least Concern

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Fun Fact:

Its spoon-shaped bill is covered in sensitive nerve endings, allowing it to detect prey by touch, even in murky water. This "built-in radar" makes it an expert at hunting without relying on sight!