Royal Spoonbill (platalea regia)
kotuku-ngutupapa

Size: 77cm, 1700gm

Description: Large white bird with black legs and large black spoon-shaped bill. Adult has red spot on forehead, yellow patch above eyes and a ribbed bill. Juveniles lack facial markings and have a smooth bill.

Habitat: Tidal mudflats, estuaries and lagoons.

Status: Protected self introduced native. 700 birds in 1996 - rapidly increasing.

Breeding: September - February. 2-4 eggs incubated by both sexes. Nests are built in tall trees, in low-growing scrub or on the ground, depending on habitat. First recorded breeding in New Zealand in 1949.

Distinguishing Features: Large white wading bird with distinctive large black spoon-shaped bill.

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