Shoveler
The Northern Shoveler, known simply as the Shoveler in the UK, is a common and widespread dabbling duck.
The Shoveler is unmistakable due to its large spatulate bill. The breeding male has an iridescent dark green head, white breast and chestnut belly and flanks. In flight, pale blue forewing feathers are revealed which are separated from the green speculum by a white border. In early autumn the male has a white crescent on each side of the face. In non-breeding (eclipse) plumage, the male resembles the female. The female is a drab mottled brown with plumage much like a female Mallard but easily distinguished by the long broad bill which is grey tinged with orange on the cutting edge and lower mandible. The female's forewing is grey.
The Shoveler can be found in open wetlands, such as wet grassland or marshes with some emergent vegetation, in northern areas of Europe and Asia and across most of north America. It winters in south Europe, Africa, the Indian sub-continent, south east Asia and central and northern south America.
In the UK, the Shoveler breeds primarily in south and east England and in much smaller numbers in Scotland and west England. In winter, breeding birds move south and there is additionally an influx of continental birds from further north. The UK is home to more than 20% of the north west European population.
The Shoveler prefers to nest in grassy areas away from open water. The nest is a shallow depression on the ground lined with plant material and down. Females typically lay about 9 eggs. The males are very territorial during the breeding season and will defend their territory and partners from competing males. Males also engage in elaborate courtship behaviours both on the water and in the air.
The Shoveler feeds by dabbling for plant food, often by swinging its bill from side to side and using the bill to strain food from the water. It uses its highly specialized bill (from which their name is derived) to forage for aquatic invertebrates.
Date: 19th January 2022
Location: RSPB Rainham Marshes, Essex
The Shoveler is unmistakable due to its large spatulate bill. The breeding male has an iridescent dark green head, white breast and chestnut belly and flanks. In flight, pale blue forewing feathers are revealed which are separated from the green speculum by a white border. In early autumn the male has a white crescent on each side of the face. In non-breeding (eclipse) plumage, the male resembles the female. The female is a drab mottled brown with plumage much like a female Mallard but easily distinguished by the long broad bill which is grey tinged with orange on the cutting edge and lower mandible. The female's forewing is grey.
The Shoveler can be found in open wetlands, such as wet grassland or marshes with some emergent vegetation, in northern areas of Europe and Asia and across most of north America. It winters in south Europe, Africa, the Indian sub-continent, south east Asia and central and northern south America.
In the UK, the Shoveler breeds primarily in south and east England and in much smaller numbers in Scotland and west England. In winter, breeding birds move south and there is additionally an influx of continental birds from further north. The UK is home to more than 20% of the north west European population.
The Shoveler prefers to nest in grassy areas away from open water. The nest is a shallow depression on the ground lined with plant material and down. Females typically lay about 9 eggs. The males are very territorial during the breeding season and will defend their territory and partners from competing males. Males also engage in elaborate courtship behaviours both on the water and in the air.
The Shoveler feeds by dabbling for plant food, often by swinging its bill from side to side and using the bill to strain food from the water. It uses its highly specialized bill (from which their name is derived) to forage for aquatic invertebrates.
Date: 19th January 2022
Location: RSPB Rainham Marshes, Essex
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Also in: Dabbling ducks
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