Want to know where and when to find African Spoonbill? opspoor shows recent sightings across South Africa's parks and when each species is usually active.
Where to see African Spoonbill in South Africa
About the African Spoonbill
The African spoonbill is a large wading bird associated with shallow freshwater wetlands, rivers, lakes, dams and floodplains. It has predominantly white plumage, long dark legs and a distinctive long bill that broadens into a spoon-shaped tip. It feeds by sweeping its bill from side to side through shallow water or soft mud, detecting and catching fish, crustaceans, insects, frogs and other small aquatic animals. It is generally social and often occurs in groups.
How to identify the African Spoonbill
Large white waterbird with a long, flat spoon-shaped black bill, long black legs and a distinctive red facial patch. Adults have a white body with black legs and feet; the bill is one of the easiest identification features.
Did you know?
African Spoonbills feed by sweeping their specialised spoon-shaped bills from side to side through shallow water, detecting prey by touch rather than relying entirely on sight.
Also known as: Afrika-lepelaar, Spoonbill, Lepelaar
Planning a safari? Pick a park above to see when and where to look for African Spoonbill, and log your own sightings in opspoor, even with no signal.