African Spoonbill
They are a long legged wading bird. Its body is mostly white, except for its legs, face and uniquely spoon-shaped bill which are red. The male and female of this species are alike in appearance. They are born with short beaks that gradually develop into the characteristic spoon-like shapes bills they are named after. It is a shy and alert bird, usually silent, barring a loud grunt when startled or alerted to danger. This bird travels by flight extending its neck and legs while flapping its wings steadily in the air.
Habitat
This species inhabits large, shallow inland waters such as lakes and rivers, seasonal and permanent pans, marshes, flood plains, sewage works, reservoirs and artificial ponds, less often occurring at coastal lagoons, salt-pans, creeks and estuaries. The species is widespread across Africa and Madagascar, including Botswana, Kenya, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, and Zimbabwe.
Diet
They are carnivores feeding on small fish and aquatic invertebrates such as molluscs and crustaceans such as crayfish and water beetles
Breeding
The African spoonbill begins breeding in the winter, which lasts until spring. The spoonbill's nest, generally located in trees above water, is built from sticks and reeds and lined with leaves. Three to five eggs are laid by the female birds, usually during the months of April or May. The eggs are incubated by both parents for up to 29 days, and upon hatching the young birds are cared for by both parents for around 20 to 30 days. The birds are ready to leave the nest soon afterward, and begin flying after another four weeks.
Population
According the IUCN Red List, the African Spoonbill is classed as Least Concern(LC). The population was last assessed on the 1st October 2016 and it was estimated that there are about 7300-73000 mature individuals.
Threats
In Madagascar this species is seriously threatened by the destruction of breeding colonies at Lake Kinkony, Lake Bemamba, Lake Ihotry and Lake Alaotra. It is also threatened by the drainage of wetlands in some areas.