African Spoonbill
Platalea alba
Here at Banham Zoo
At Banham Zoo, our African spoonbill shares its habitat with the scarlet ibis and giant wood rail. As a sociable species, they live together in harmony. Their uniquely shaped, paddle-like beak helps them easily scoop up small fish, molluscs, and crustaceans from the water.
Did you know? Spoonbills are close relatives of the ibis and belong to a family with six species, including one found in Europe.
Where Do I Live?
Africa, south of the Sahara
African spoonbills inhabit large inland waterways such as lakes or rivers, throughout Africa, south of the Sahara.
What Do I Eat?
Named for their spoon-shaped bills, the African spoonbill is perfectly adapted for feeding on small fish and aquatic invertebrates such as molluscs and crustaceans. The enlarged surface area of their bills helps them to catch their prey as they move their heads from side to side.
How Do I Breed?
Spoonbills build flat, oval nests from sticks and both parents incubate the eggs. They are often seen in groups of 3 to 30 individuals, but during the breeding season up to 250 pairs have been seen nesting together.
Together, we protect wildlife
Conservation status
Least Concern (LC)
Lowest risk of endangerment.
The African spoonbill is not considered globally endangered, however in Madagascar the species is seriously threatened by the destruction of breeding colonies.
Some Helpful Links
Where is the
African Spoonbill
located?
Our
African Spoonbill
is located in our
Zoo Central
, map reference
4
.
What’s the best time to see the animals?
The best time to see our animals is often during feeding times or in the cooler parts of the day when they are most active. Check our daily timetable for keeper talks and feeding sessions for an up-close look! Our habitat signage also includes helpful hints and tips to make the most of your visit.
How do you ensure the animals' welfare?
Animal welfare is our top priority. We provide species-specific habitats, enrichment activities, and expert veterinary care to ensure all our animals thrive.
