A global synthesis of movement patterns and annual cycle in spoonbills (Platalea genus)

Spoonbills are waterbirds known for their distinctive spoon-shaped beaks and unique foraging behaviors. Like other wetland-associated birds, they exhibit a wide range of movement and migration patterns. In the literature, species of the Platalea genus are often described as migratory, but they can also be characterized as nomadic, irruptive, dispersive, partially migratory, or even sedentary. Due to this variation in terminology and classification, many aspects of their movement ecology remain unclear to the scientific community. In this synthesis, I searched scientific databases using a set of pre-selected keywords with the aim of reviewing the literature on the classification, phenology, and movement patterns of the six species within the Platalea genus. The results revealed disparities in the knowledge available on these species, with than 80% of studies focusing on only two species: the Eurasian Spoonbill (Platalea leucorodia) and the Black-faced Spoonbill (Platalea minor). Phenology data showed considerable intraspecific variation in some species, primarily related to the size of their distribution areas and the locations of their breeding colonies, but also influenced by environmental variables. The review also confirmed that spoonbill species and populations breeding in temperate latitudes seem to exhibit more classic migratory behaviors, while tropical species and populations are often more nomadic, moving in response to water and food availability. These findings highlight the urgent need to improve our understanding of spoonbill movement patterns, particularly among tropical and lesser-known species, to support effective conservation and management strategies.