The Yellow Billed Spoonbill (Platalea flavipes) is one of the two species of Sponbills that are found in Australia.
Measuring around 90 cm (35.5 in), the yellow-billed spoonbill has all white plumage, although at times it can look creamy white rather than pure white. The long spoon-shaped bill is about 200mm long and the bare face, legs and feet are all yellow. Adults have red marking on the beak near the face and darker marking across the lower end of the beak. Adults also have a black band around the area where the beak joins the face.
Unfortunately, none of these adult features can be seen on this bird as it is a juvenile!
This species is found in a range of wetland habitat and it will come as no surprise that this bird was photographed at the Werribee Sewage Works.
I like this series of pictures as they show the shape and structure of the beak.
As ever, to join in with WBW, click on the link below. SM
