from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Spoonbill \Spoon"bill`\ (-b[i^]l`), n. (Zool.)
(a) Any one of several species of wading birds of the
genera {Ajaja} and {Platalea}, and allied genera, in
which the long bill is broadly expanded and flattened
at the tip.
[1913 Webster]
Note: The roseate spoonbill of America ({Ajaja ajaja}), and
the European spoonbill ({Platalea leucorodia}) are the
best known. The royal spoonbill ({Platalea regia}) of
Australia is white, with the skin in front of the eyes
naked and black. The male in the breeding season has a
fine crest.
[1913 Webster]
(b) The shoveler. See {Shoveler}, 2.
(c) The ruddy duck. See under {Ruddy}.
(d) The paddlefish.
[1913 Webster]