The Eurasian spoonbill (Platalea leucorodia) is a striking white bird with dark legs, a yellow-tipped black bill, and a yellow breast patch. Three subspecies of this bird are recognised, with Platalea leucorodia leucorodia being the resident breeding subspecies observed in Sri Lanka.  

The Eurasian spoonbill occupies a range of habitats, including shallow wetlands, rivers and lakes with mud, clay, or fine sandy substrates. In winter, it is often found in sheltered marine habitats, including estuaries, tidal creeks, and coastal lagoons. During the breeding season, it builds nesting platforms from sticks and vegetation, typically located among dense reeds, bushes, mangroves, or deciduous trees.