Resting Royal Spoonbills in breeding plumage

The Royal Spoonbill, Platalea regia, also known as the Black-billed Spoonbill, occurs in intertidal flats and shallows of fresh and saltwater wetlands in Australia, New Zealand, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, and the Solomon Islands.

These ones are resting at the Heatchcote/Avon River estuary.

The Royal Spoonbill lives in wetlands and feeds on crustaceans, fish and small insects by sweeping its bill from side to side. It always flies with its head extended. Widespread throughout its large range, the Royal Spoonbill is evaluated as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.

Isn't it great to see that this beautiful striking bird is NOT endangered, since so many of our birds are!

Also back blipping 26-28 October!