Northern Shoveler
Northern Shoveler
30
11 hours ago
+20
Spotted by
The Northern Shoveler is a medium-sized dabbling duck instantly recognizable by its large, spatulate bill, which is significantly broader at the tip. Males are highly colorful with a dark green head, white breast, chestnut flanks, and a blue patch on the forewing. Females are mottled brown but share the unique bill shape.
Where to spot
Widespread across the Northern Hemisphere, breeding in North America, Europe, and Asia. Winters south of its breeding range in southern North America, Central and South America, Africa, and southern Asia. Prefers shallow, nutrient-rich wetlands, marshes, and sewage ponds.
How to spot
The most defining feature is the very large, spoon-shaped bill, which is prominent even from a distance. Males have striking plumage. Observe them dabbling, often with their bill submerged, or feeding in synchronized circles with other shovelers.
When to spot
Can be observed year-round in temperate resident populations, but most visible during spring and autumn migrations (March-May and September-November) as they move between breeding and wintering grounds.
Where to spot
Widespread across the Northern Hemisphere, breeding in North America, Europe, and Asia. Winters south of its breeding range in southern North America, Central and South America, Africa, and southern Asia. Prefers shallow, nutrient-rich wetlands, marshes, and sewage ponds.
How to spot
The most defining feature is the very large, spoon-shaped bill, which is prominent even from a distance. Males have striking plumage. Observe them dabbling, often with their bill submerged, or feeding in synchronized circles with other shovelers.
When to spot
Can be observed year-round in temperate resident populations, but most visible during spring and autumn migrations (March-May and September-November) as they move between breeding and wintering grounds.
Credits:
Takashi_Yanagisawa
Credits:
12252435
Credits:
Takashi_Yanagisawa
Credits:
TheOtherKev
Credits:
TheOtherKev
Credits:
TheOtherKev
Credits:
TheOtherKev
Credits:
12252435
Credits:
TheOtherKev
Credits:
TheOtherKev
The Northern Shoveler's distinctive large, shovel-like bill is specially adapted for filtering small invertebrates and seeds from the water, often by swimming in circles to create a vortex.
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Spotted
- Recently spotted
- 50132 (Seen in the last 3 months)
- Last spotted
- 11 hours ago
Monthly observations
67 observations
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