Eurasian Spoonbill

Platalea leucorodia

(P. l. leucorodia)

Armenian Name:	Տարգալակտուց
Species Status:	Undetermined Species - Species of Special Concern

See Plate 5 for Eurasian Spoonbill and other similar species

Resident Status:	Year-round visitor
Abundance:	Rare
Length:	80-90 cm, Wing Span:115-130 cm
Distribution Map:	Map 24.
Description:	Long spoon-shaped bill. Flies with neck extended.
Adult (Breeding):	White with ragged crest, yellow collar at base of neck, and black bill with yellowish tip.
Adult (Non-breeding):	Lacks crest and yellow breast patch.
Juvenile:	Similar to non-breeding adult, but with black tips on primaries, pink bill, gray legs.
Similar Species:	Differs from White Herons and Egrets by large broad bill and feeding behavior.
Behavior:	Feeds by slowly wading and sweeping open bill from side to side through shallow water.
Habitat:	Lakes, river banks, fish ponds.
Food:	Insects, crustaceans, small fish, amphibians.