Eurasian spoonbill

"Young spoonbills make their first migration to Africa without their parents. They follow routes that they were born with, finding their way to the wintering areas independently."

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Eurasian spoonbillPlatalea leucorodia
  • Habitat:

    spread across Europe, Asia and Africa

  • Food:

    insects, worms, frogs and small fish

  • Lifespan:

    28 years on average

  • Weight:

    1 to 2 pounds

  • Number of eggs:

    4 eggs

  • Incubation time:

    about 24 or 25 days

  • IUCN Status:

    safe

  • EEP:

    no

Moving abroad

The Eurasian spoonbill is a migratory bird. That means that during the breeding season they live in a different place than in the winter. In the Netherlands we see the spoonbill from March to October. In the fall these spoonbills fly south. They fly all the way to Mauritania, in the northwest of Africa. In February they begin their return trip to the Netherlands.

Een Europese lepelaar bij Eindhoven Zoo.

Theme area: On the Move

You can see the Eurasian spoonbill in the ‘On the Move’ theme area. Here, you’ll discover how animals move and why moving – or, conversely, staying still – is important for survival.

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Species conservation in Eindhoven Zoo

Fortunately, the status of the Eurasian spoonbill is safe. But unfortunately, many of the species you see in the park are endangered and struggling in their original habitats. Did you know that worldwide more than 10,000 animal species are threatened with extinction are endangered? Together we can help them, with big, or small steps. Want to know how?

More information about the Eurasian Spoonbill

Explore the other animals in the themed area On the Move