(genus change (IOC and Clements)) |
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*Very large black spatula shaped bill | *Very large black spatula shaped bill | ||
In flight, pale blue forewing feathers are revealed, separated from the green speculum by a white border.<br /> | In flight, pale blue forewing feathers are revealed, separated from the green speculum by a white border.<br /> | ||
− | + | ||
'''Female''' | '''Female''' | ||
*Light brown | *Light brown | ||
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The plumage of the female is similar to that of a female [[Mallard]] the bill being the major distinguishing feature. | The plumage of the female is similar to that of a female [[Mallard]] the bill being the major distinguishing feature. | ||
==Distribution== | ==Distribution== | ||
+ | [[Image:Shoveler 177K3996.jpg|thumb|350px|right|Photo by {{user|targetman|targetman}}<br />[[Lincolnshire]] March 2009 ]] | ||
Northern areas of [[Europe]] and [[Asia]] and across most of [[North America]]. It is a rare vagrant to [[Australia]]. | Northern areas of [[Europe]] and [[Asia]] and across most of [[North America]]. It is a rare vagrant to [[Australia]]. | ||
==Taxonomy== | ==Taxonomy== |
Revision as of 00:24, 1 September 2017
- Spatula clypeata
Identification
43–56 cm (17-22 in)
Male
- Bottle green head
- Chestnut flanks
- White breast
- Very large black spatula shaped bill
In flight, pale blue forewing feathers are revealed, separated from the green speculum by a white border.
Female
- Light brown
- Grey forewing
- Very large grey and orange spatula shaped bill
Similar Species
The plumage of the female is similar to that of a female Mallard the bill being the major distinguishing feature.
Distribution
Northern areas of Europe and Asia and across most of North America. It is a rare vagrant to Australia.
Taxonomy
This is a monotypic species[1].
The Northern Shoveler is usually placed in the genus Spatula, but it was formerly placed in the genus Anas.
Habitat
Marshlands and overgrown ponds. Rarely on the sea. Breeds in shallow, lowland, freshwater wetlands.
Behaviour
It is a migratory species, wintering further south than its breeding range. It is not as gregarious as most other dabbling ducks, and only forms small parties.
Diet
Dabbling duck, uses bill to filter food. Will eat tiny crustaceans, insects as well as seed and plant matter.
Breeding
The nest is a shallow depression on the ground, lined with plant material and down, usually close to water.
Vocalisation
Fairly quiet. Females a mallard-like quack. Males a deep "took, took."
<flashmp3>Anas clypeata (song).mp3</flashmp3>
Listen in an external program
References
- Clements, J. F., T. S. Schulenberg, M. J. Iliff, D. Roberson, T. A. Fredericks, B. L. Sullivan, and C. L. Wood. 2017. The eBird/Clements checklist of birds of the world: v2017, with updates to August 2017. Downloaded from http://www.birds.cornell.edu/clementschecklist/download/
- Handbook of the Birds of the World Alive (retrieved February 2016)
- Collins Field Guide 5th Edition
Recommended Citation
- BirdForum Opus contributors. (2024) Northern Shoveler. In: BirdForum, the forum for wild birds and birding. Retrieved 6 May 2024 from https://www.birdforum.net/opus/Northern_Shoveler
External Links