What does it look like? The name of Black-faced Spoonbill actually comes from its appearance. The long bill is enlarged at the tip, forming a spoon-shaped structure. Its is different from Eurasian Spoonbill in having more extensive black facial skin. Apart from its black face, bill and long feet, its entire plumage is white in colour except during the breeding season. It is also known as the "Black-faced dancer" in Taiwan due to its elegant behaviour and posture while feeding, wading and in flight.. Size Black-faced Spoonbill is smaller than the commonly seen Great Egret. Body length is around 75-80cm. In general, males are larger than females, but the difference is not obvious in the field. Facial pattern The facial skin is black. Mature individuals have a yellow patch in front of the eyes which can be seen year round. Bill The bill of the juvenile is pinkish and the upper surface is smooth. As the bird gets older, the colour turns darker and the horizontal ridges are formed on the upper surface. Males have longer bills (19-21cm) than females (16-18cm). Primary feathers Immature birds have black tips on their primary feathers. This gradually disappears until the bird reaches the age of 5 or older. Breeding Plumage Black-faced Spoonbill assumes breeding plumage in late winter, adopting golden orange colouration on the neck, breast and head.