1. Eurasian spoonbill – Platalea leucorodia
Eurasian spoonbill is a large bird with a body length of 80-90 cm, a wingspan of 125-135 cm, and a weight of 1.5-2 kg. In an adult, the plumage is white, with a black beak that has the characteristic shape of a spoon. Eurasian spoonbill has long, thin legs that help him walk in shallow water.
Eurasian spoonbill is common in Europe, Asia and Africa. In Ukraine, it nests throughout the territory, except for the Crimea.
Eurasian spoonbill is a migratory bird. It winters in Africa, South Asia and Australia. Eurasian spoonbill nests in shallow water, among reeds or other coastal vegetation. It builds its nests on the ground, in a small pit. There are 3-5 eggs in the eurasian spoonbill's clutch. The eggs are incubated by the female and the male in turn. Chicks hatch after 24-26 days. After hatching, the chicks grow quickly and begin to fly after a few weeks.
The eurasian spoonbill feeds on fish, small crustaceans, and other aquatic invertebrates it finds in shallow water.
Eurasian spoonbill is a fairly common species, but in some regions its number is decreasing. The reasons for this are pollution of water bodies, destruction of coastal plants and poaching.
In Ukraine, the eurasian spoonbill is listed in the Red Book as "Vulnerable".
Photo: Volodymyr Kucherenko