When lumped with Indian Spotbill this was known as
Chinese Spotbill, but as it has expanded its range north and west it has become known as Eastern. It now
breeds from Japan south to southern China and overlaps with the easternmost race of Indian. There are
several differences between the two, the most obvious being the lack of red spot on the bill, although
the yellow tip is retained and is diagnostic. There are other plumage differences but it also tends to prefer salt
or brackish water, and is migratory, moving south in winter. These photos were taken in Japan and Hong Kong.
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HOMEPAGE
