Spoon"bill` (?), n. (Zoöl.)
(a) Any one of several species of wading birds of
the genera Ajaja and Platalea, and allied genera, in
which the long bill is broadly expanded and flattened at the
tip.
&fist; The roseate spoonbill of America (Ajaja ajaja), and
the European spoonbill (Platalea leucorodia) are the best
known. The royal spoonbill (P. regia) of Australia is white,
with the skin in front of the eyes naked and black. The male in the
breeding season has a fine crest.
(b) The shoveler. See Shoveler,
2. (c) The ruddy duck. See under
Ruddy. (d) The paddlefish.
Spoon"bill` (?), n. (Zoöl.)
(a) Any one of several species of wading birds of
the genera Ajaja and Platalea, and allied genera, in
which the long bill is broadly expanded and flattened at the
tip.
&fist; The roseate spoonbill of America (Ajaja ajaja), and
the European spoonbill (Platalea leucorodia) are the best
known. The royal spoonbill (P. regia) of Australia is white,
with the skin in front of the eyes naked and black. The male in the
breeding season has a fine crest.
(b) The shoveler. See Shoveler,
2. (c) The ruddy duck. See under
Ruddy. (d) The paddlefish.