The unmistakable Yellow-billed Spoonbill is the slightly larger and more common of the two spoonbills found in this district. It has a yellow beak, bill and legs. The Royal Spoonbill has a black beak, bill and legs. Both are wading birds and have a distinct sweeping action through the water as they forage for food. It inhabits the shallow water of estuaries, swamps and dams.

It is generally solitary except when breeding, when it forms colonies in tall trees or on lignum in permanent swamps outside this district. It lays two to three dull white eggs. Its call is a weak grunt, mainly when nesting.

Size: 76-92cm

Photo and Illustration: Mark Trinham.