Royal Spoonbill (Platalea regia)
Last Modified: 16-1-2023 23:02
© Christopher Cookson License this image
Royal Spoonbill (Platalea regia) are the only spoonbill species to breed in New Zealand, where they have self-introduced from Australia in the early 19th Century. These large waterbirds are now widely distributed throughout New Zealand, and are unmistakable with their large bodies with white plumage, and a long, black, spoon shaped bill.
Royal spoonbills feed on a range of aquatic animals including invertebrates and fish.
In Marlborough, Royal Spoonbill can be found at the Wairau Lagoons and at Lake Argyle in the Wairau Valley.
This example was observed at Lake Argyle.
Image Date: 15/1/2023
Photographer: Christopher Cookson
Location: Latitude: -41.680008 Longitude: 173.197739