Black-faced Spoonbill faces extinction

HA NOI — The Black-faced Spoonbill (or platalea minor) is a critically endangered bird species with a global population of merely 800, currently threatened with extinction due to the continuing loss of habitat caused by reclamation of coastal wetlands.

Every year, the Black-faced Spoonbills migrate to northern Viet Nam and in winter to the Hong (Red) River Delta, China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Japan and South Korea.

At present, though the only site in Viet Nam in which they are known to winter is Xuan Thuy Nature Reserve in the Song Hong (Red River) Delta, it is thought that they may spend time at wetland sites in Quang Ninh Province in north-eastern Viet Nam, before they reach Xuan Thuy, or on their return journey.

Spoonbills are easy to recognise. They are large, white wading birds with long necks. The long bill is flattened and ends in a broad spoon. Their spoon-shaped bills are specifically adapted for tactile feeding with a head-sweeping motion in shallow water.

Spoonbills feed during the day as well as at night. Their feeding habitats may be in salt or fresh water, tidal or stagnant wetlands, and with or without submerged vegetation.

They will often feed in tidal areas during ebb and low tides. Given that the areas where these magnificient birds feed are often highly disturbed during day, feeding in these areas may be increased at night. — VNS

BirdLife International would appreciate any information about sightings of these endangered birds. Readers may contact Vu Thi Minh Phuong, communications officer, BirdLife International Viet Nam Programme at #11, Lane 167, Tay Son, Ha Noi.
 

www.ecologyasia.com

_________________________________________________________________________