The Black-faced Spoonbill (Platalea minor) is a medium-sized wading bird known for its distinctive black facial skin that contrasts sharply with its white plumage. It is one of six spoonbill species and is currently classified as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). There are only 6,162 Black-faced Spoonbills left in the world. Black-faced Spoonbills are mainly found in East Asia, including China, Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan, as well as some parts of Southeast Asia. They typically inhabit coastal areas, estuaries, mudflats, and other shallow wetlands, where they feed on small fish, crustaceans, and other aquatic invertebrates.
The Black-faced Spoonbill was once extensively hunted for its feathers, which were highly prized for use in hats and other fashion accessories. Habitat destruction, pollution, and other human activities have also contributed to the bird’s decline in recent decades. Conservation efforts, including habitat restoration and protected areas, have helped to stabilize the Black-faced Spoonbill population, but ongoing threats mean that the species remains at risk of extinction.
The Mai Po Nature Reserve in Hong Kong is an important habitat for the Black-faced Spoonbills.