Northern Shoveler

A Northern Shoveler (Spatula clypeata) is a medium-sized dabbling duck known for its uniquely large, spoon-shaped bill. It is found in North America, Europe, and Asia and is a common sight on marshes and ponds. 🦆

The male Northern Shoveler is a striking bird with an iridescent green head, a white chest, and rusty-red flanks. The most prominent feature for both sexes is their large, spatula-like bill, which is disproportionately large compared to their body. The female is much less colorful, with mottled brown plumage, but still has the signature large bill.

Northern Shovelers are typically found in shallow freshwater habitats, including marshes, ponds, and lakes with rich vegetation. They are filter feeders, and their diet consists of small aquatic invertebrates, plankton, and seeds.

The Northern Shoveler's large bill is specially adapted for its unique feeding method. It swims with its head down, holding its bill at the surface of the water, and sweeps it from side to side to filter out food. The bill has fine comb-like structures called lamellae that act as a sieve to strain food from the water.