North
American Shoveler
N. A. Shoveler
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Description
The very large, speculate bill is the most
distinguishing feature of the aptly named Northern
Shoveler. The male in breeding plumage has bright
wings, a bright iridescent-green head with a yellow
eye, bold white breast, and chestnut sides. Females,
juveniles, and males in eclipse plumage (from May
through August) are mottled brown with orange legs and
a green-black iridescent speculum with a blue patch on
the forewing.
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Breeding
Pair formation begins in the winter and continues
during spring migration. Males remain with the females
through the incubation period. The female chooses the
site (generally in short grass). She builds the nest,
a shallow depression made of grass and weeds, lined
with down, and incubates the 9 to 12 eggs for 23 to 28
days by herself. A few hours after they hatch, the
female leads the young to the water where they can
swim and forage immediately. The young typically stay
close to the cover of emergent vegetation, and the
female tends them until they fledge at 52 to 66 days
of age.
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General Comments
Northern Shovelers rarely tip up, but filter mud
through their bills, swimming with their heads
outstretched, bills skimming the water's surface,
sifting out food. In flight they stay in tight
bunches, weaving to and fro like shorebirds. Shovelers
are the most territorial of all the North American
dabblers, and pair bonds remain intact through
incubation, unlike most other species of ducks.
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Place Mouse over Pictures to Enlarge
Shoveler Drake
Shoveler Hen
Shoveler Pair
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