Yellow-billed Spoonbill

["Philip Veerman via Canberrabirds " <>]

Hi Rob,

 

I’m not sure why the “?” on the first statement. However, I think you are half right. It does show the black plumes (not in the tail, but on the back) which would indicate breeding plumage, therefore an adult. Yellow-billed Spoonbill. Pizzey’s book shows the thin black line around the face (showing on your photo for the adult, not immature Yellow-billed Spoonbill.

 

As for the 2^nd question about the other spoonbill. Pizzey’s book says for the immature Royal Spoonbill “bill shorter (than adult), tips of flight feathers (primaries) black”

 

Philip

 

From: Canberrabirds On Behalf Of Rob Geraghty via Canberrabirds
Sent: Tuesday, 6 January, 2026 8:58 PM
To: Canberrabirds <>
Subject: [Canberrabirds] Yellow-billed Spoonbill

 

I believe that this is an immature Yellow-billed Spoonbill?

I hadn't noticed the black line around the base of the bill and the dark feathers in the tail before.

Photographed at Jerrabomberra Wetlands in 2015. Does an immature Royal Spoonbill look significantly different from an adult?

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