the Eurasian or White Spoonbill Platalea leucorodia with its long black, flat bill ending in a broad "point" shaped tip

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the Eurasian or White Spoonbill Platalea leucorodia with its long black, flat bill ending in a broad "point" shaped tip

     Unique in appearance is the Eurasian or White Spoonbill Platalea leucorodia with its long black, flat bill ending in a broad "spoon" shaped tip which may appear yellow.  Adult birds are all white except in breeding season when then develop a yellowish white crest, a red patch at the base of the throat and a beige "necklace".  In the photo, some of the birds have breeding plumage, and some do not.  Spoonbills  are found throughout India and Sri Lanka near rivers, lakes and marshes.  They feed by moving their bills in the water while opening and closing them.  They eat both plants and small animals.

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