From Nov. 1996 to Mar. 1997, the preening behavior of the Black-faced Spoonbill (Platalea minor) was observed at the wintering area in Chigu, Tainan County. During the day the bird was mostly resting (93.14%). However, the preening behavior was the most common one (3.74%) among all other activities. Preening can be classified into self-preening (3.62%) and allo-preening (0.12%). The region of self-preening included the head, neck, wing, breast, abdomen and back of the bird. Among parts preened, the wing was treated most frequently (39.46%). In general the bill was used for preening, but the foot was applied to the neck and head region where the bill could not reach. Allo-preening was also confined to the head and neck region. During the day the preening activity increased after 1500hr with the peak at 1700hr.