The adult male Eurasian/common spoonbill (Platalea leucorodia) is the most widespread species, which occurs in the northeast of Africa and much of Europe and Asia across to Japan. The genus name platalea derives from Latin and means "broad", referring to the distinctive shape of the bill. First calendar year birds are easily recognisable by their flesh-coloured bill. In breeding plumage it has a white body, wings, tail and head. However, during the breeding season, the elongated feathers on the rear crown form a conspicuous buffy-yellow crest.
