African Spoonbills, near Vitshumbi, Congo (Democratic Republic)

The African Spoonbill is a long-legged wading bird. Its body is predominantly white, except for its red legs, face, and bill. This bird can be easily identified by its uniquely spoon-shaped bill. Both the male and female birds are similar in appearance. The African Spoonbill is commonly found in several of countries in the southern part of Africa. It usually resides by shallow inland waters. This bird's habitat includes river banks, lake shores, marshes, plains, savannas, swamps, and water-meadows. The African Spoonbill is usually a shy and alert bird. It is usually found singly, but can also be encountered in pairs or in groups. It is usually silent, except for an occasional grunt when alarmed. The African Spoonbill feeds by fishing in shallow water. It fishes for its food by swinging its open bill from side to side in the water. Its bill acts as a scythe (hooked tool) to catch its food. This photograph was taken when Eliot Elisofon was on assignement for National Geographic Film and traveled to Africa from January 19, 1972 to mid April 1972.