Northern Shovler Duck

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The Northern Shovler (Anas clypeata) is a dabbling duck more common in the Western than Eastern United States.

Beginning birders could easily mistake the shovler for the mallard. Males of both species have green heads. Shovlers are distinguished by an extra large and wide black bill.

Female shovlers have brown feathers with a similarly large bill, however the bill is a dirty orange color.

Generally, the species likes to spread its wings and fly. They can be found breeding in northern areas around the world, and wintering in southern areas. A portion of the United States poulation, for example, is known to winter as far south as Mexico and northern South America. There is also a population that enjoys wintering in Hawaii.

Unlike other dabbling ducks that commonly dip their heads and lift their tails to forage for food in shallow water areas, shovlers use their bills to shovle or skim food from the top of the water.

© 2005-2008 Patricia A. Michaels