Regular visitor to Enoggera Creek
The Royal Spoonbill Platalea regia occurs in intertidal flats and shallows of fresh and saltwater wetlands. They are widespread in Australia, New Zealand, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands. The large, white bird with a black, spoon-shaped bill is approximately 80 cm tall and weighs 1–2 kg. The Royal Spoonbill has long legs to wade through water foraging for insects, fish, shellfish and amphibians, catching its prey by moving its bill from side to side. The end of its bill is broad and works like a pair of tongs. When the Royal Spoonbill are breeding, long white plumes grow from the back of their heads and coloured patches appear on the face. They always fly with head extended. While not a full-time resident of Enoggera Creek, the Royal Spoonbill does visit from time to time particularly when there’s been a good wet season and plenty of food for foraging.
Royal Spoonbill in Enoggera Creek at The Gap. PHOTO Damien Mckenzie
