:quality(80))
Living together, sharing together
"The African spoonbill lives in the wild in the same area as the Hamerkop. Often, the spoonbill uses the roof of a Hamerkop nest to incubate its own eggs. Spoonbills form lifelong pairs. Both father and mother take care of the eggs and the young together."
Discover in real lifeHabitat:
wet areas in Africa south of the Sahara and in Madagascar
Food:
small fish, crustaceans, mollusks, insects, and larvae
Lifespan:
20 years
Weight:
1.5 to 2 kg
Number of eggs:
2 to 4 eggs
Breeding time:
25 to 29 days
IUCN status:
safe
EEP:
no
About the African spoonbill
The African spoonbill is found in wet areas south of the Sahara and in Madagascar. It walks calmly through shallow water in search of small fish, insects, and other aquatic animals, using its broad, flat beak as an efficient scoop net. These social birds often live in groups, especially during the breeding season. A female usually lays 2 to 4 eggs, which hatch after about 25 to 29 days, after which both parents continue to care for the young until they can find food independently.
Habitat and threats
The African spoonbill is found in wet areas in Africa south of the Sahara and in Madagascar, and is primarily found in swamps, river deltas, wetlands, and shallow lakes. With their long legs and characteristic spoon-shaped bill, they are well adapted to searching for food in shallow water. These birds often breed in colonies, often together with other water birds, in trees or reed beds close to the water.
:quality(75))
Species conservation in Beekse Bergen
Fortunately, the status of African spoonbill is least concern. But, unfortunately, many of the species you see in Beekse Bergen are endangered and struggling in their native habitats. Did you know that more than 10,000 animal species in the world are in danger of extinction? Together we can help them with big, or small steps. Want to know how?