A large white wading bird characterized by its distinctive spoon-shaped bill, found across Europe, Asia, and parts of North Africa. Member of the Threskiornithidae family with distinctive feeding and social behaviors.
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ADSENSE SLOT
Ecology & Habitat
Habitat
Coastal wetlands, marshes, estuaries, lagoons, and shallow inland water systems with rich aquatic invertebrate populations. Prefers regions with abundant mudflats and low vegetation zones.
Ecological Role
Key wetland ecosystem regulator, controlling invertebrate populations and serving as an important bioindicator of ecosystem health. Contributes to nutrient cycling in aquatic and coastal environments.
Morphology
SKIN COATDense white feather coverage, waterproof plumage with specialized preening glands for maintaining feather condition.
LIMBS WINGSLong legs adapted for wading, typically grayish-black. Wings broad and rounded, enabling efficient long-distance migration.
HEAD SENSORYLarge eyes, broad visual field. Specialized bill with mechanoreceptors enabling tactile foraging technique called 'sideways sweeping'.
BODY STRUCTURELarge bird, approximately 80-95 cm in length, with wingspan of 1.2-1.45 meters. Weight ranges between 1.3-2.1 kg. Pure white plumage with elongated, flattened spoon-shaped bill.
Data Source: TaxonHub Database
Image Credit: Hobbyfotowiki
