DNA metabarcoding diet analysis of black-faced spoonbill

In this study, we applied 18S and 12S DNA metabarcoding to examine the diversities in the dietary compositions of 110 fecal samples from the endangered black-faced spoonbill (Platalea minor) wintering in the wetland of Hong Kong. A broad dietary spectrum of P. minor was revealed, including at least 26 species in the classes Actinopterygii and Malacostraca. Our results showed clear patterns of the spatiotemporal variations between the roosting groups and intraspecific variations between the individuals of P. minor, which reflected part of their their feeding habits and habitat usage in the wetland complex.