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Project Noah Nature School
Platalea regia
Beautiful white plumed wading bird growing to around 80cm. Long dark (black to deep blue/black) spoon shape to bill gives its name, small yellow patch over each eye and on forehead, long dark legs, breeding plumage adds soft filmy feathers to the crest and back. Usually seen in flock wading in still water swishing the bill from side to side in the water sifting for small aquatic animals as food. Nests in trees or on ground platforms in swamps. Call is a low grunting or croak sound.
Found throughout much of east and north Australia, less so in western and southern regions, prefers shallow coastal or inland waterways.
After much anguish, finally in my new place and this picture shows the beauty that greets me each day at my own private 'Kakadu'. Almost 60 bird species counted so far on this property with hopes for more as regeneration takes place!
Spotted on Dec 9, 2014
Submitted on Dec 9, 2014
2 Comments
Thanks Mark. Yes I often see one or two on the local waterways, but having a flock of 50 or more birds calling the place home, witnessing them sweeping the water in unison, flying in great white clouds above the waterlillies are scenes that are breathtaking. More photos posted soon of some of the other residents.
I've seen pairs often but what a gathering. Nice scene.