Red Shoveler

The Red Shoveler, Spatula platalea, presents a striking figure with its distinctive spatula-shaped bill. Males exhibit a range of hues from vibrant red to paler shades, including pink, while females are characterized by their large, dark bills. These birds typically measure 45–56 centimeters in length, weigh between 523–608 grams, and boast a wingspan of approximately 66–73 centimeters.

Identification Tips

To identify the Red Shoveler, look for the unique broad bill and the light blue upper wing coverts. The green speculum is another key feature to note. Males and females can be distinguished by their coloration, with males displaying varying shades of red and females appearing more subdued with darker bills.

Habitat

The Red Shoveler favors shallow lakes and pools with dense reed beds, as well as intertidal mangrove swamps and marshes. They are also known to inhabit brackish waters, including coastal lagoons, deltas, and estuaries.

Distribution

This species breeds in the southern half of South America, with a range extending from Tierra del Fuego northwards to Chile, Argentina, and the Falkland Islands. Isolated breeding populations are found in southern Peru, Bolivia, and Paraguay, as well as in the southernmost regions of Brazil and Uruguay.

Behaviour

Red Shovelers are partially migratory, with the southernmost populations moving north during the winter. They form pairs in the wintering grounds after engaging in often noisy courtship displays.

Breeding

The breeding season sees the laying of a clutch of 7–8 eggs. Incubation lasts about 25–26 days, followed by a fledging period of 40–45 days.

Diet and Feeding

Their diet consists of herbs, grasses, pond weeds, widgeon grass, algae, and eelgrass, supplemented by small invertebrates. The Red Shoveler's bill is equipped with a lamellate filtering mechanism, adept at extracting small food items from the water.

Conservation status

The Red Shoveler is classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, thanks to its extremely large range and stable population. However, the species does face challenges from habitat degradation, such as eutrophication from agricultural runoff and disturbance from grazing cattle. Despite the Least Concern status, proactive conservation measures are necessary to ensure the continued health of this species' populations.