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Beta
Northern Shoveler
(Anas clypeata) - North America
Photo by
Elsemargriet
Overview
Biology
Lifecycle: Northern Shovelers breed in wetlands, forming pairs during the breeding season. They often nest in grassy areas near water.
Behavior: They are dabbling ducks, which means they tip forward in the water to feed. They are strong fliers and are known for their rapid wing beats.
Vocalizations: Northern Shovelers produce a variety of quacking sounds, typical of ducks.
Food
Diet: Northern Shovelers are filter feeders, primarily consuming aquatic plants, seeds, and small invertebrates. They use their specialized bills to filter food from the water.
Feeding Behavior: They use their unique bill to filter small aquatic organisms, plankton, and plant matter from the water. Their feeding behavior is often characterized by a sweeping motion of their bill through the water.
The Northern Shoveler is a duck species found in North America, Europe, and Asia. It is known for its distinctive, large, spatula-shaped bill and is often recognized by its feeding behavior in shallow waters.
Description
Size: Northern Shovelers are medium-sized ducks, with adult males typically measuring about 48 to 53 cm (19 to 21 inches) in length, and adult females being slightly smaller.
Appearance: Males have striking plumage with iridescent green heads, white breasts, and chestnut sides. Both males and females have a large, spoon-shaped bill, which is particularly distinctive.
Habitat
Northern Shovelers can be found in a range of wetland habitats, including marshes, lakes, and ponds. They are particularly fond of shallow waters with abundant aquatic vegetation.
Nests: They construct nests on the ground near water, often in grassy areas or in dense vegetation.
