Northern Shoveler
Northern shoveler (Anas clypeata)
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The northern shoveler is a highly specialized dabbling duck.
Appearance: 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 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 shoeveler could be mistaken for a female mallard.
Breeding: Northern shovelers begin pairing in December. Males use a variety of auditory displays.
Habitat: Northern shovelers inhabit open, shallow and muddy wetlands with an abundance of submergent vegetation.
Range: Departs from the wintering grounds in late March and are one of the last ducks to arrive on the breeding grounds. Breeds in the prairie pothole and parkland regions.
Diet: In summer, dominated by small crustaceans, seeds and larvae. In winter, they consume large quantities of small mollusks, aquatic insects and zooplankton.
Status and conservation issues: Survey data has shown an increase in population across much of the northern shoveler's range beginning as early as 1961. This species is one of the few that has exceeded population goals identified in the North American Waterfowl Management Plan.
