African Spoonbill
Usually quite a silent bird, the African Spoonbill is widely distributed across Sub-Saharan Africa, from Ethiopia to Southern Africa.
These peculiar looking birds are unmistakeable with their large bills forming the shape of a spoon. When in flight, particularly in flocks taking-off or landing, they give a soft nasal 'kor-kor-kor' sound, which is the same call they make during their breeding displays.
In appearance both males and females look similar, with a red face, white plumage and the distinctive bill shape that has somewhat silver colouration. They have long red legs that allow them to easily walk in water. They are quite large in size, and are sometimes easily mistaken to be a kind of Stork or Ibis.
In South Africa these interesting birds are common residents and are nomadic in response to water levels and rainfall. Their habitat is almost exclusively shallow water areas, and this is where they are usually found; areas like lakes, flood plains, river margins and estuaries. The African Spoonbill, scientifically known as Platalea alba, has adapted quite well to man-made wetlands, like sewage works. When these birds are breeding they prefer swamps with areas of tall reeds and sedges.
Spoonbills are gregarious and are normally in parties of 3 up to 30, yet sometimes found alone. They rest on the shores of water courses, often with other birds like Hadedas and Herons.
In the breeding season the nest is built by the female, whilst the material for the nest is collected by the male. The pair stay in close company to each other in this period. The material that the male collects consists of mainly twigs, sticks, creepers and reeds, sometimes with dry grass. These birds are monogamous; meaning they only have one mate at a time. But, interestingly enough, they nest colonially in groups of 5 upwards to almost 20 pairs. They form their nests close to water areas together with African Sacred Ibises, and Cormorants.
The African Spoonbill feeds alone or in small groups of up to 10. They feed mainly on small fish and aquatic invertebrates. These large birds stride through the water with the spoon shaped bill partly, or even entirely submerged in the water. Whilst striding, the bill is sweeping from side to side, snapping the prey into the spoon. They swallow the prey through a backward jerking of the head. Sometimes one can even see them dashing around the water chasing fish. These birds are often found foraging in association with herons.
Did you know? The African Spoonbill is known to follow Hippopotamuses and Nile Crocodiles, feeding on insects and small molluscs that are disturbed by them.
