Northern Shoveler

Anas clypeataOrder: ANSERIFORMESFamily: Geese and Ducks (Anatidae)

Overview

Northern Shoveler: Medium dabbling duck. White breast, white-bordered black back, rufous-brown underparts and sides. Head and neck are iridescent green, large bill is black and eyes are yellow. Wings have large, pale blue shoulder patches, white bars, green speculum. Legs and feet are orange.

Range and Habitat

Northern Shoveler: Breeds from Alaska and northern Manitoba south to California, Nebraska, and Wisconsin; local and uncommon in the Great Lakes area and the northeast. Spends winters from Oregon across the southern half of the U.S. to the Gulf Coast, north to New Jersey, and south to Central America. Preferred habitats include marshes and prairie potholes; sometimes found on salt or brackish marshes.

Listen:

Voice Text

"who, who, who", "took, took, took"

Northern Shoveler

● Song: "who, who, who", "took, took, took"

● Foraging & Feeding: Northern Shoveler: Feeds on tiny crustaceans, mollusks, insects, seeds, fish, and aquatic vegetation; forages by dabbling in shallow water.

● Breeding & nesting: Northern Shoveler: Six to nineteen olive buff or green gray eggs are laid in a down-lined cup of grass concealed in vegetation, often far from water. Incubation ranges from 21 to 27 days and is carried out by the female.

● Similar species: Northern Shoveler: Mallard has smaller bill, and chestnut-brown breast, and lacks blue shoulder patch. Blue-winged Teal is smaller, has brown body and gray head, and white crescent on face.

Flight Pattern

Strong direct flight with powerful rapid wing beats.

Northern Shoveler Male Body Illustration

● Range & Habitat: Northern Shoveler: Breeds from Alaska and northern Manitoba south to California, Nebraska, and Wisconsin; local and uncommon in the Great Lakes area and the northeast. Spends winters from Oregon across the southern half of the U.S. to the Gulf Coast, north to New Jersey, and south to Central America. Preferred habitats include marshes and prairie potholes; sometimes found on salt or brackish marshes.

^BreedingMonogamous, Solitary nester

^PopulationCommon to abundant

^MigrationMigratory

^Weight22.4 Ounces

Field Guide to Birds of North America