Spoonbills [Platalea]

Description

Platalea is a genus within the family Threskiornithidae, known for their distinctive spoon-shaped bills. These large, wading birds use their uniquely shaped bills to forage in shallow waters, sweeping them from side to side to catch small fish, crustaceans, and insects. Spoonbills have long legs, broad wings, and are often seen in wetlands, estuaries, and rivers. Their global distribution includes parts of all continents except Antarctica. The genus is noted for its social behavior, as spoonbills often feed and breed in groups.