Description

Bird skull, African Spoonbill, Anastomus lamelligerus from Tanzania.

You will receive this exact Bird skull of an African Spoonbill.  It is discounted (was $249.00)because there is a small broken bone on the left side of the skull; it can be seen in the photos.

The African Spoonbill (Platalea alba) is a distinctive wading bird found across sub-Saharan Africa, including many wetland regions of Tanzania. Easily recognized by its long, flat, spoon-shaped bill, the African Spoonbill is entirely white with red legs, face, and bill, especially vivid during the breeding season.

🌍 Habitat in Tanzania

• Prefers shallow freshwater wetlands, marshes, lake edges, floodplains, and riverbanks.

• Commonly spotted in places like:

  • Lake Manyara

  • Ngorongoro Crater

  • Selous Game Reserve

  • Ruaha River wetlands

🍽️ Diet and Feeding

• Feeds mainly on aquatic invertebrates: insects, crustaceans, mollusks, and small fish.

• Uses its spoon-shaped bill to sweep through the water, detecting and catching prey by touch.

🧬 Breeding and Behavior

• Nests in colonies, often with herons and egrets.

• Builds stick nests in trees or reed beds near water.

• Lays 3–5 eggs; both parents incubate and feed the chicks.

• Usually quiet but may emit low croaks during breeding.

🛡️ Conservation Status

• IUCN Red List: Least Concern

• Populations are stable, but vulnerable to wetland degradation and disturbance.