Northern Shoveler

The Northern Shoveler, known in Britain simply as the shoveler, is a distinctive species with a broad, spatulate bill that sets it apart from other ducks. The male, or drake, in breeding plumage boasts an iridescent dark green head, a white chest, and chestnut flanks and belly. When in flight, one can observe the pale blue feathers on the forewing, edged with white and set against a green speculum. The female is more subdued in color, mottled brown akin to other dabblers, but her large, gray bill with orange hints is a clear identifier.

Identification Tips

To identify the Northern Shoveler, look for the following characteristics:

• Large, spatulate bill
• Males: Iridescent dark green head, white chest, chestnut belly and flanks
• Females: Mottled brown, similar to a female mallard but with a distinctive bill
• In flight: Pale blue forewing feathers with a white border and green speculum
• Size: Length of 48 cm (19 in), wingspan of 76 cm (30 in), and weight of 600 g (1.3 lb)

Habitat

The Northern Shoveler frequents open wetlands such as wet grasslands or marshes with emergent vegetation. They prefer mud-bottomed marshes rich in invertebrate life.

Distribution

This species has a broad breeding range across northern Europe, the Palearctic, and most of North America. It winters in southern Europe, the Indian subcontinent, Southeast Asia, Central America, the Caribbean, and northern South America. It is a rare vagrant to Australia.

Behaviour

Northern Shovelers are known for their unique foraging behavior, swimming rapidly in circles to create a funnel effect that brings food to the surface. They feed by dabbling for plant food and straining aquatic invertebrates from the water with their specialized bills. During the breeding season, males are territorial and perform elaborate courtship displays. They are fairly quiet, with males emitting a clunking call and females quacking like a mallard.

Song & Calls

The male Northern Shoveler produces a clunking call, while the female's vocalization resembles a quack similar to that of a mallard.

Breeding

Shovelers prefer to nest in grassy areas away from open water. The nest is a shallow depression lined with plant material and down, where the female typically lays about nine eggs. Males defend their territory and mates vigorously during the breeding season.

Similar Species

The Northern Shoveler can be confused with other dabbling ducks, but its large, spatulate bill is a key distinguishing feature.

Diet and Feeding

The diet consists primarily of plant food and aquatic invertebrates. The shoveler's bill is equipped with lamellae, which allow it to efficiently sift food from the water.

Conservation Status

The Northern Shoveler is classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, with a healthy and increasing population due to favorable habitat conditions.