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  • Black-faced spoonbill

Black-faced spoonbill

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Wetlands
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Quick facts

Lifespan

Lifespan

Estimated 20-25 years

Diet

Diet

Mainly fish

Also insects and crustaceans

Habitat

Habitat

Low-lying bays and ponds

Nests on small offshore islets

Range

Range

East Asia

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The black-faced spoonbills

Spoon-shaped bill

Spoon-shaped bill

The most distinct part of these birds is their flattened spatulate bill, which is reminiscent of the pipa, a Chinese musical instrument. Rapidly and methodically, they sweep their slightly open bill through the shallows to sieve for food. These goofy-faced, round-bodied birds are known to chase after their prey over distances of 1–4 m, with rapid lunges and stabs. Flocks of them coordinate to herd prey cooperatively, stopping now and then to gulp down their catch with a quick head flick and tilt.

Black-faced spoonbills are the rarest spoonbills and the only species of spoonbill to be classed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List.
Protecting a favourite

Protecting a favourite

Its feeding behaviour, so fascinating to watch, has made it a firm favourite among birders and other members of the Asian public. It is legally protected throughout East Asia. In summer, the birds breed on offshore islets along the western coast of the Korean Peninsula, along China’s Liaoning and into Russia. In winter, the species migrates southward to winter roosts that stretch from coastal China to the Philippines. Population pressure and coastal development continue to threaten the species. Ongoing intervention and a long-term commitment to protect sites along its entire migratory route are needed to ensure its continued survival.

Together, we protect wildlife

The face of wetland preservation

The face of wetland preservation

Our spoonbills are part of the international exchange and breeding programme coordinated by the Japanese Association of Zoos and Aquariums (JAZA). We are one of only four zoological institutions in the world and the only one out of their range to care for the black-faced spoonbills.

We are happy to report the recent hatching of chicks at the Bird Park. By breeding the spoonbills, we hope to contribute to the conservation of the species. You, too, can help by supporting groups that work to protect the wetland habitat of these birds.

The IUCN Status

EN

Endangered

At very high risk of extinction in the wild

The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species

The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species

The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species is widely recognized as the most comprehensive, objective global approach for evaluating the conservation status of plant and animal species.

DD

Data Deficient

Unknown risk of extinction

LC

Least Concern

At relatively low risk of extinction

NT

Near Threatened

Likely to become vulnerable in the near future

VU

Vulnerable

At high risk of extinction in the wild

EN

Endangered

At very high risk of extinction in the wild

CR

Critically Endangered

At extremely high risk of extinction in the wild

EW

Extinct in the Wild

Survives only in captivity

EX

Extinct

No surviving individuals in the wild or in captivity

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Every visit to our parks comes with
Find out how, together, we're creating a better future for wildlife and the planet.

Opening hours

8.30am - 6.00pm (Last entry at 5.00pm)

Open from Thursdays to Sundays, eves of and on Public Holidays, and selected school holidays

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2 Jurong Hill
Singapore 628925

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