Looking at a spoonbill, it is easy to understand how it got its name. In our picture you’ll see that the lower end of its long, bony bill flattens out to look like a spoon.
There are great numbers of these birds in warm climates of the world. Two species, the royal and the yellowbill, live in Australia. Most spoonbills in these southern lands are all white except for yellow crests on their heads. The African is also pure white except for brilliant red legs and a matching red neck band. Another white one is called the common. It has a prominent crest of long feathers at the back of its head that it lifts up in a pretty display on occasion. It lives in parts of Europe, Asia and northern Africa. There are many other varieties, including the roseate, which we will look at next week.
The Creator gave spoonbills their unusual bills for a special purpose. Wading on their long legs in shallow lagoons, they thrust their bills down to the soft bottom and swing them from side to side, searching for food. This food is mostly fish, shrimp, small crabs, other water creatures and water insects. Then, lifting their heads up high, they enjoy their snack as the “catch” slides down their throats. Since they cannot see the food they catch (except for floating creatures) they often hunt at night as well as in the daytime.
Nesting habits are not limited to any particular style of nest. Some are on the ground in marshes and others are in brush or tall grass. But more often the birds form small or large colonies in cypress or mangrove trees where their nests are close together. This provides added protection from enemies. Some of these colonies will build a platform of sticks in low trees or in shrubs with individual nests on it. But whatever type of home they choose to have, we can be sure the Creator has provided the ability to construct it, showing His care over them.
The beautiful feathers of these birds were at one time in great demand to decorate ladies’ hats and clothes. To keep the lovely spoonbill from extinction, they are now protected from this kind of hunting.
These birds are another display of the wonders of God’s creation. We read in the Bible that all things have been created for His pleasure (Revelation 4:1111Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created. (Revelation 4:11)), and it has pleased Him to place all varieties of animals, birds and fish upon the earth. When we have occasion to see any of them, let us remember they are not here just by chance but have all been created and preserved by the Lord God, according to His divine wisdom and pleasure.
(to be continued)
ML-03/30/2014