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 ] ☞ 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 ] |