spoonbill

noun spoon·bill \ ˈspün-ˌbil \

Updated on: 19 Apr 2018

Definition of spoonbill

1 : any of several wading birds (family Threskiornithidae) related to the ibises that have an expanded bill that is flattened and rounded at the tip

2 : any of several broad-billed ducks (such as the shoveler)

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Recent Examples of spoonbill from the Web

Cody’s Guide Service reports: spoonbill continues to be excellent.

— tyler mahoney special to the star tyler mahoney,, kansascity, "Fishing report: Things have been slow because of weather | The Kansas City Star," 11 Apr. 2018
Up until the ‘90s, the spoonbill regularly nested in Florida Bay, Tampa Bay and Indian River Lagoon, with their northern boundary around Merritt Island and Cape Canaveral and Tampa Bay.

— jenny staletovich, miamiherald, "Record rain led to bonanza year for Florida’s wading birds. Just not in the right places | Miami Herald," 29 Mar. 2018
In the winter, birdwatchers flock to the area to see the endangered black-faced spoonbill, which migrates to Taiwan from China and Korea for several months each year.

— Smithsonian, "Learn more about Ecotourism in Taiwan.," 6 June 2017
While the Katy Prairie is home for a wide variety of summertime birds like spoonbills and wood storks, Gonzalez said the place also is a major stop on the migratory route for ducks and geese coming from the north during the winter.

— mike glenn, Houston Chronicle, "Katy Prairie helps residents to get outside," 26 Dec. 2017
Northern shovelers, called spoonbills by most Louisiana anglers, were the only other species to improve from last year's numbers.

— todd masson, NOLA.com, "Most Louisiana hunters will be thrilled with annual duck report," 15 Aug. 2017
Stop off at isolated and pristine Cayo Costa State Park in search of untouched shells, or pay a visit to Lover’s Key State Park, home to gentle manatees and roseate spoonbills.

— Smithsonian, "Discover more reasons to get away to Fort Meyers & Sanibel this fall.," 20 June 2017
The area is known for its 50 miles of sandy beaches and abundant wildlife, like egrets, roseate spoonbills, and dolphins in the gulf, Donlan said.

— liz dennerlein, USA TODAY, "The ultimate 'mancations' for Dad," 14 June 2017
A tourist leans out of his car window to photograph a flock of white spoonbills at a watering hole.

— National Geographic, "Controversial Railway Splits Kenya’s Parks, Threatens Wildlife," 18 Apr. 2016

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'spoonbill.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of spoonbill

circa 1678

in the meaning defined at sense 1

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SPOONBILL Defined for Kids

spoonbill

noun spoon·bill \ ˈspün-ˌbil \

Definition of spoonbill for Students

: a wading bird having a bill which widens and flattens at the tip

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See words that rhyme with spoonbill Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about spoonbill

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