Food and feeding sites of the Eurasian Spoonbill (Platalea leucorodia) in southwestern Spain

Abstract

We analyzed the food composition of 47 regurgitations and 11 stomach contents from nestling Eurasian Spoonbills (Platalea leucorodia) in the colony of the estuary of the Odiel River (southwestern Spain). With a single exception, all prey consumed by nestlings were saltwater aquatic animals. Fish, particularly killifish (Fundulus spp.), were the most common and abundant component of the diet, accounting for 71% of the prey items. Prawns (Palaemonidae) appeared in half the food samples and accounted for 19% of the prey items. Relative abundance of potential prey at foraging habitats and in the diet suggests that fish were preferred over other prey types. The mean body length of the fish found in the food sample was greater than that at foraging habitats.