Spoonbills are large white waterbirds with distinctive spoon-shaped bills that make them easy to identify. There are two species of spoonbill that can be found in New Zealand – the royal spoonbill and the yellow-billed spoonbill. Spoonbills are mostly found in coastal areas and wetlands around the country.
Best places to see royal spoonbills
The royal spoonbill (Platalea regia) is more common and widespread than the yellow-billed spoonbill in New Zealand. Here are some of the top spots for seeing royal spoonbills:
- Tauranga Harbour – The sheltered tidal flats here provide excellent feeding habitat for spoonbills.
- Firth of Thames – Good numbers of royal spoonbills can be seen here, particularly around the Miranda Shorebird Centre.
- Manukau Harbour – Royal spoonbills are regular visitors to the harbour’s shallows and inland saltmarshes.
- Farewell Spit – This renowned birdwatching site attracts feeding royal spoonbills, especially at high tide.
- Ashburton Lakes – Lakes Hood, Heron and Ellesmere host significant spoonbill populations.
Best places to see yellow-billed spoonbills
The yellow-billed spoonbill (Platalea flavipes) has a more restricted range in New Zealand. The best locations to spot this species include:
- Piako Rivermouth – The largest breeding population of yellow-billed spoonbills is found here.
- Miranda Shorebird Centre – Small numbers of yellow-billed spoonbills mix with the more common royal spoonbills.
- Porangahau Estuary – Occasional sightings occur at this scenic Hawke’s Bay wetland.
- Foxton Beach – Sightings are rare but yellow-billed spoonbills have been spotted here.
When to see spoonbills in New Zealand
The best times of year to see spoonbills are:
- Summer (December-February) – Breeding season when spoonbill numbers are highest.
- Autumn (March-May) – Main migration and flocking season.
- Winter (June-August) – Good time to see spoonbills feeding.
- Spring (September-November) – Early nesting activities begin.
Spoonbills can be seen year-round but are easier to spot in large flocks during autumn and winter. The summer breeding season offers the chance to see mature adults in breeding plumage and perhaps even glimpse chicks.
Spoonbill viewing tips
- Use binoculars or a spotting scope to get good views.
- Look for spoonbills feeding in shallow water or roosting at high tide.
- Check wetlands with tidal flats, saltmarsh, and estuaries.
- Search shorelines, sandbars, and mangrove areas.
- Listen for distinctive croaking or clattering calls.
- Visit known spoonbill hotspots for best chance of sighting.
- Time visits for early morning or late afternoon when birds are most active.
- Join a guided birdwatching tour for local expert help.
Spoonbill behavior and ecology
Understanding a bit about spoonbill behavior and ecology can help with finding and identifying them:
- Feed by swinging bill side to side in water to sift food.
- Diet consists of crustaceans, insects, small fish and more.
- Often feed communally in loose flocks.
- Nest colonially in trees and reedbeds December-March.
- Perform dancing displays and bill-snapping during courtship.
- Male gathers nest material, female builds nest.
- Lay 2-6 eggs per clutch.
- Both parents incubate eggs and feed chicks.
- Fledged chicks stay with parents several months.
- Migrate long distances between breeding and wintering areas.
Paying attention to spoonbill feeding, breeding and social behaviors can help with spotting and identifying them in the wild.
Difference between royal and yellow-billed spoonbills
Telling the two spoonbill species apart can be tricky. Here are some identification tips:
| Royal Spoonbill | Yellow-billed Spoonbill |
|---|---|
| – White plumage | – White plumage |
| – Black, spatulate bill | – Yellow, spatulate bill |
| – Black legs/feet | – Yellow legs/feet |
| – No crest | – Shaggy crest when breeding |
| – More widespread | – Localized distribution |
The best distinguishing feature is bill color – black on royal, yellow on yellow-billed. Leg and foot color, crest presence, and distribution can also aid identification.
Conservation status
Both spoonbill species have protected status in New Zealand:
- Royal spoonbill – Nationally Vulnerable, declining numbers.
- Yellow-billed spoonbill – Nationally Endangered, fewer than 500 birds.
Threats to spoonbills include habitat loss, disturbance of nesting colonies, pollution and reduced food sources. Ongoing conservation efforts aim to protect key breeding and feeding sites.
Conclusion
For the best chance of seeing spoonbills in New Zealand, visit key sites like the Firth of Thames, Manukau Harbour and Miranda during the prime viewing seasons of autumn, winter and early summer. Use the identification tips to distinguish between the two species. Be sure to observe spoonbills from a distance and respect protected areas to support conservation efforts for these elegant wetland birds.
