African spoonbills are widespread across sub-Saharan Africa. During breeding season they live in colonies containing as many as 500 birds!
The life of an African spoonbill
African spoonbills have white feathers, red legs and red facial skin. They stand about three feet tall and weigh between three and four and half pounds.
African spoonbills nest in trees around large areas of shallow water like lakes, marshes and wetlands. Males gather material for the nest while females do the building. Females lay three to five eggs at a time. Both parents share the duty of covering the eggs, and both will feed the chicks once they are born.
They can live as long 15 years in the wild, and up to 25 to 30 years in human care. Breeding season typically begins in spring and can last through summer. After hatching, chicks begin walking around the nest around after three weeks and leave the nest around five weeks. Once breeding season is complete, they live in groups numbering anywhere from three to 30 birds.
African spoonbills are carnivores, feasting on small fish and other aquatic life like crayfish, crabs and insects. They use a unique method to hunt for food in shallow water: They swing their bill back and forth underwater until they feel their prey. Then they snap their bill shut and eat their catch.
African spoonbills at the zoo
Located in the Africa area.
