Australasian Shoveler

The Australasian shoveler, Spatula rhynchotis, is a medium-sized dabbling duck, with a length ranging from 46 to 53 cm. The male is distinguished by a blue-grey head adorned with a striking vertical white crescent in front of the eyes.

Identification Tips

To identify the Australasian shoveler, look for the male's unique blue-grey head and white crescent marking. The females, while more subdued in color, share the same robust body shape and the characteristic shovel-like bill that gives the species its name.

Habitat

This species thrives in heavily vegetated swamps, where it can be found dabbling for food and nesting in the dense foliage.

Distribution

The Australasian shoveler is found across southwestern and southeastern Australia, Tasmania, and New Zealand. It is a protected species under the National Parks and Wildlife Act of 1974 in Australia.

Behaviour

Courtship in New Zealand begins around August, with the drake vocalizing and performing head-bobbing displays while swimming towards the female. Aggressive behavior is common among mated males, who will defend their partners from other pursuing drakes. Courtship flights, typically occurring in the morning and evening, test the agility and speed of competing males.

Song & Calls

The male Australasian shoveler is known for its distinctive call, a repeated "Sock, sock-sock, sock, sock-sock," which is an integral part of its courtship ritual.

Breeding

Mating can start as early as August, but nesting usually does not commence until October or later. The sex ratio among adults shows a surplus of males, though this disparity is not observed in ducklings. Older males often display more white breast feathers, which can be an indicator of age and pairing status.

Similar Species

Birdwatchers should be aware of other shovelers and dabbling ducks which may share similar habitats and could be confused with the Australasian shoveler.

Diet and Feeding

The Australasian shoveler is a dabbling duck, feeding in the water by shoveling and sifting through the mud to find food with its specialized bill.

Conservation status

The IUCN Red List categorizes the Australasian shoveler as Least Concern, indicating that the species, at present, does not face a significant threat of extinction.