A memeber in the family of ibises and spoonbills (Threskiornithidae), the spoonbill, Platalea leucorodia, of Eurasia, smaller than the stork, breeds in southern, rarely in central and western Europe, south-west, south, central and eastern Asia. The plumage of the adult bird is white, tinged with ochre at the base of the neck in front; during the breeding season it develops a fine crest at the nape.

This species nests in the same places as the glossy ibis and other herons and bitterns, in whose company it is often found either in bushes close above the water, or on islands, or sometimes in reeds. Although they are gregarious, these are rather quiet birds which attract no attention to themselves. Only when the young are being fed is the air filled with the sound of their low voices. Both sexes incubate the 3-6 eggs and following hatching, after 21-25 days, both procure food for the young. These have fairly strong, slightly curved, soft bills at first and not till the fifth week does the downward curve begin to be visible. The young birds shove their wide bills down the throats of the adults for their food, which the latter regurgitate. After about 28 days they leave the nest, remaining nearby and forming a flock of juveniles with those from neighbouring nests. They fledge after 40 days.

Ibises and spoonbills fly like storks with the head straight out in front. The spoonbills of Europe winter in Central and East Africa, those of Asia in India and China. These birds are threatened by the spread of civilization and continuing land improvement, and their numbers are rapidly decreasing despite protective legislation.