Feeding behaviour of Spoonbills at Lake Cowal, NSW

Abstract

The feeding behaviour of the Yellow-billed Spoonbill Platalea flavipes and the Royal Spoonbill P. regia at Lake Cowal, NSW, was studied between 1970 and 1972. The Yellow-billed Spoonbill occurred throughout the year; the Royal Spoonbill was rare or absent from June to September. Feeding behaviour and success are described; contents of twenty-eight stomachs of Yellow-billed and of twenty of Royal Spoonbills are reported. In contrast with the Royal Spoonbill, the Yellow-billed has a longer and narrower bill, simpler and slower methods of feeding and takes more arthropods, fewer fish and less non-animal matter.