The Eurasian spoonbill, or common spoonbill, is a wading bird belonging to the ibis and spoonbill family Threskiornithidae. Its scientific name is Platalea leucorodia, with "Platalea" reflecting the broad, spoon-like bill and "leucorodia" originating from Greek, meaning "white heron." This species is almost unmistakable within its range, with adult breeding plumage being predominantly white, save for dark legs, a black bill with a yellow tip, and a distinctive yellow breast patch akin to that of a pelican. It also sports a crest during the breeding season.
In flight, the Eurasian spoonbill can be recognized by its outstretched neck, contrasting with the retracted necks of herons. Non-breeding adults lack the crest and breast patch, while juveniles have a paler bill and black-tipped primary flight feathers. The species is distinguishable from the African spoonbill in winter by the latter's red face and legs and absence of a crest.
Eurasian spoonbills favor extensive, shallow wetlands with muddy or fine sandy substrates. They are found in various marshes, rivers, lakes, floodplains, bogs, and mangrove swamps, indifferent to the salinity of the water. They are particularly drawn to undisturbed islets for nesting and areas with dense vegetation and scattered trees for shelter.
