Northern shoveler

Did you know

Northern shovelers are often referred to as “spoonbills” or “spoonies” because of their unique spatula-shaped bill. The breeding male has a green head, white body, reddish brown flanks, and a black bill. The female is grey-brown with subtle black streaking. She has an olive-green bill, a green speculum, and blue shoulder patches. At a quick glance, a hen shoveler could be mistaken for a female mallard.

Common name: Northern shoveler
Scientific name: Anas clypeata
Diet: Omnivorous; varies seasonally
Average life span: 8 years
Length: 44-51 cm
Weight: 400-820 g

Food & Habitat

Northern shovelers inhabit open, shallow and muddy wetlands with an abundance of submergent vegetation.

Northern shovelers swim through wetlands, with their bills down in the water, swinging them from side to side to collect prey. Sometimes, large groups swim in circles to stir up food. In summer, their diet is dominated by small crustaceans, seeds, and larvae. In winter, they consume large quantities of small mollusks, aquatic insects, and zooplankton.

Breeding & Population

Northern shovelers begin pairing in December. Males use a variety of auditory displays to attract females. Females use their body, feet, and bill to make a small depression on the ground about 8 inches wide, usually within 150 feet of water. The nest scrape is almost completely surrounded by vegetation and is lined with downy feathers. Hens lay 8-12 eggs, which incubate for 22-25 days.

The northern shoveler departs from wintering grounds in late March and are one of the last ducks to arrive on breeding grounds. They breed in the prairie pothole and parkland regions.

Migration

Northern shovelers winter in the southern United States and Mexico.

Interesting facts

Northern shovelers are very popular with aviculturists, are rather easy to propagate and can be found in almost any waterfowl collection.