Platalea leucorodia

Spoonbill Spoon"bill` (-b[i^]l`), n. (Zo["o]l.) (a) Any one of several species of wading birds of the genera {Ajaja} and {Platalea}, and allied genera, in which the long bill is broadly expanded and flattened at the tip. [1913 Webster]

Note: The roseate spoonbill of America ({Ajaja ajaja}), and the European spoonbill ({Platalea leucorodia}) are the best known. The royal spoonbill ({Platalea regia}) of Australia is white, with the skin in front of the eyes naked and black. The male in the breeding season has a fine crest. [1913 Webster] (b) The shoveler. See {Shoveler}, 2. (c) The ruddy duck. See under {Ruddy}. (d) The paddlefish. [1913 Webster]