Eurasian spoonbill
The Eurasian spoonbill is a migratory bird, arriving in the Danube Delta in early spring from its wintering grounds in Africa. It forages in colonies, often with herons and cormorants, building nests of twigs and reeds, usually on floating islands or in dense reeds. It is a quiet, sociable bird, preferring to live in groups.
Platalea leucorodia
Description and how to observe Eurasian spoonbill:
The Eurasian spoonbill is a large, white-coloured bird with a long, broad, shovel-shaped beak - hence its name. When breeding, adults have a yellow crest on the back of the head and a yellow patch on the breast. It can be seen mainly in the marshy areas of the Danube Delta, near reed beds or on shallow water shallows, where it forages for food.
What it feeds on Eurasian spoonbill:
It feeds on small fish, aquatic insects, crustaceans and molluscs. It uses its shovel-shaped beak to 'sweep' the water from side to side, detecting prey by touch rather than sight.
Threats:
The main threats are habitat loss through wetland desiccation, human disturbance, pollution and climate change. Although a protected species, the delicate balance of the Delta can easily be destabilised.
Ecological role:
The Eurasian spoonbill plays an important role in the aquatic ecosystem, helping to maintain the balance of small vertebrate and invertebrate populations. It is also an indicator of wetland health, its presence signalling a healthy habitat.
More information about Platalea leucorodia:
The Eurasian spoonbill is included in the IUCN Red List as a "low risk" species, but protection of its habitats is essential to ensure its survival. In Romania, it is a protected species under national and European legislation, including the Natura 2000 network. The Danube Delta is one of the most important nesting sites in Europe for this species.
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