Description
This original wildlife photograph captures a Eurasian Spoonbill (Platalea leucorodia) in flight, showcasing the elegant form and distinctive appearance of one of India’s fascinating wetland birds.
With its brilliant white plumage, long legs, elongated neck and characteristic spoon-shaped bill, the Eurasian Spoonbill is one of the most recognizable birds associated with wetland habitats.
About the Eurasian Spoonbill
The Eurasian Spoonbill (Platalea leucorodia) is a large waterbird belonging to the Threskiornithidae family, the same family that includes ibises.
Its most distinctive feature is its broad, flattened bill with a rounded, spoon-like tip. The specialized bill is used to sweep through shallow water and wetland habitats while searching for food.
The Eurasian Spoonbill is closely associated with wetlands, marshes, shallow lakes, ponds and other suitable aquatic habitats.
Eurasian Spoonbill in Flight
The Eurasian Spoonbill has a graceful flight style, typically flying with its neck extended forward and legs trailing behind.
This photograph captures the species in flight, highlighting its long wings, extended neck and streamlined body.
Photographs of flying spoonbills provide a different perspective from feeding or resting images and showcase the elegant structure of this large wetland bird.
Eurasian Spoonbill in Gujarat
Gujarat is one of India’s important regions for wetland birds, with extensive lakes, ponds, marshes, coastal wetlands and other water-rich habitats supporting a diverse bird population. Gujarat’s wetlands are particularly important for both resident and migratory waterbirds.
The Eurasian Spoonbill occurs in Gujarat and is classified by the State of India’s Birds as a resident and local migrant in the state. Gujarat’s wetland landscapes provide suitable habitat for this species.
Habitat
The Eurasian Spoonbill is primarily associated with wetland environments such as:
- Shallow lakes
- Marshes
- Ponds
- Wet grasslands
- Mudflats
- Lagoons
- Flooded areas
- Other shallow-water habitats
These environments provide feeding and roosting opportunities for spoonbills and many other wetland birds.
Diet and Feeding Behaviour
The Eurasian Spoonbill uses its specialized spoon-shaped bill to search for food in shallow water.
It feeds on a variety of aquatic and wetland organisms, including small fish, frogs, aquatic invertebrates, molluscs and other suitable prey.
Its characteristic feeding technique involves moving the bill through shallow water and detecting prey through touch.
Conservation Status
The Eurasian Spoonbill (Platalea leucorodia) is currently classified as Least Concern (LC) on the global IUCN Red List.
However, the State of India’s Birds 2025 assessment identifies the species as a High Priority species in Gujarat, with a reported rapid long-term decline and rapid current annual decline. It is also protected under Schedule I of India’s Wildlife Protection Act.
These trends highlight the importance of protecting wetlands and maintaining suitable habitat for waterbirds.
Photography Details
Common Name: Eurasian Spoonbill
Scientific Name: Platalea leucorodia
Behaviour: In Flight
Bird Group: Waterbird
Family: Threskiornithidae
Location: Gujarat, India
Habitat: Wetlands and shallow-water habitats
Gujarat Status: Resident & Local Migrant
Global Conservation Status: Least Concern
Indian Legal Protection: Schedule I
Photographer: Amarjeetsinh Jhala
Original Wildlife Photography by Amarjeetsinh Jhala
This photograph is an original wildlife image by Amarjeetsinh Jhala, documenting the birds and wildlife of India.
The photograph is available for licensing and can be used for personal, commercial, printing and publication purposes according to the selected license.
Personal Use
Suitable for personal collections, wallpapers and approved non-commercial applications.
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Suitable for magazines, books, newspapers, calendars, educational publications, exhibitions and other professional print applications.
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