Northern Shoveler
Least ConcernSpatula clypeata
Visual Identification
Appearance
The Northern Shoveler is easily recognised by its large, spatula-shaped bill. Males in breeding plumage have a striking green head, white breast, and chestnut flanks. Their back is dark, and they display a blue patch on the forewing.
Females are mottled brown with a blue speculum. Their bill and feet are yellowish-orange, and their eyes are brown or brownish-yellow.
In eclipse plumage, males resemble females but retain their distinctive bill shape and brighter blue wing patches as well as having darker heads.
Size
Length
44cm to 51cm
Wingspan
70cm to 84cm
Weight
400g to 1000g
Habitat and Distribution
Habitats
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
Distribution
Northern Shovelers inhabit shallow wetlands, marshes, and ponds across North America, Europe, and Asia. They prefer freshwater habitats but can also be found in brackish areas.
During the breeding season, they occupy northern latitudes while wintering in southern regions.
In the UK, they are year-round residents, with numbers boosted by winter migrants from northern Europe.
Elevation Range
Up to 2,000 meters
Climate zones
Temperate, Subtropical, Tropical
Distribution Map
This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Northern Shoveler. The coloured areas show countries where these birds have been seen.
A few things to keep in mind:
- Birds might not be everywhere in the coloured areas, for example, they may be present around the coast of that country
- Where birds live can change with seasons and available food
- This map is quite simple - it doesn't show exact locations
We're working on making our maps even better! Soon, we hope to show you:
- More detailed maps for bigger countries, including state and region
- How birds move around during different seasons
Distribution by Region
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
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Share your thoughtsBird Attributes Explained
Our bird attributes system rates various aspects of a bird's capabilities on a scale of 0-100, based on data from field observations, scientific studies, and expert knowledge.
Attribute Categories:
- Agility: Manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
- Strength: Physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
- Adaptability: Ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
- Aggressiveness: Territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
- Endurance: Stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
Understanding the Ratings:
- 0-20: Very Low
- 21-40: Low
- 41-60: Average
- 61-80: High
- 81-100: Very High
Remember, these attributes are relative to other bird species and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Hover over the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Agility
Reflects the bird's manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
Northern Shovelers are highly agile birds, particularly in flight. They're capable of swift, nimble movements in the air and can manoeuvre deftly when taking off or landing on water. Their ability to perform intricate feeding behaviours, such as swimming in tight circles to create vortexes, also demonstrates considerable agility.
Strength
Indicates the bird's physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
While not exceptionally strong compared to larger waterfowl, Northern Shovelers possess moderate strength. Their ability to migrate long distances and their robust build for their size contribute to this rating. However, their specialisation in filter-feeding rather than diving or wrestling with prey suggests they don't rely heavily on brute strength.
Adaptability
Represents the bird's ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
Northern Shovelers show high adaptability. They can thrive in various wetland habitats, from freshwater to brackish areas, and at elevations up to 2000 metres. Their ability to adjust their diet based on available food sources and their successful colonisation of diverse geographical regions across multiple continents demonstrate significant adaptability.
Aggressiveness
Measures the bird's territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
Northern Shovelers are generally not highly aggressive birds. They form loose flocks and are relatively quiet. However, males can become territorial during breeding season and engage in courtship displays, which may involve some aggressive behaviours. Overall, they tend to be more peaceful compared to many other duck species.
Endurance
Reflects the bird's stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
These birds exhibit good endurance, particularly evident in their long-distance migratory habits. Their ability to fly between northern breeding grounds and southern wintering areas requires considerable stamina. Additionally, their constant filter-feeding behaviour, which can involve processing up to 10,000 tiny invertebrates per day, suggests a high level of sustained energy output.
Diet
Northern Shovelers primarily feed on aquatic invertebrates, seeds, and plant matter. Their specialised bill allows them to strain food from the water, often swimming in tight circles to create a vortex that concentrates prey. They also dabble and occasionally upend to reach submerged vegetation.
Water beetles, minnows, and snails are also commonly eaten.
Behaviour
Northern Shovelers often swim with their bills submerged, filtering water for food. They form loose flocks during migration and winter.
These ducks are generally quiet but can be territorial during breeding season, with males performing elaborate courtship displays.
Vocalisation
Northern Shovelers are relatively quiet ducks. Males produce a soft, rattling 'took-took' call, while females have a typical duck-like quack, though softer than that of a Mallard. During courtship, males may emit a low 'woh-woh' sound.
On take-off, a shoveler’s wings can be heard making a distinctive ‘rattling’ sound, unlike any other duck species.
Nesting & Breeding
Northern Shovelers form pairs during late winter or early spring. Males court females with head-bobbing displays and vocalisation.
Nests are built on the ground, often concealed in dense vegetation near water. Females lay 8-12 pale olive-buff eggs and line the nest with down.
Incubation lasts about 23-25 days, carried out solely by the female. Ducklings are precocial and can feed themselves shortly after hatching, fledging at 6-7 weeks old.
Lifespan
The Northern Shoveler typically lives for 3 years, with a maximum recorded lifespan of 22 years.
Like all birds, lifespan can be affected by factors including predation, habitat quality, disease, and access to food sources.
Conservation and Status
Global Conservation Status
While currently listed as Least Concern, Northern Shovelers face threats from wetland habitat loss and degradation.
Conservation efforts focus on protecting and restoring wetland ecosystems, which benefit this species along with many other waterfowl.
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for their distinctive, oversized bill
- Search in shallow wetlands and marshes
- Listen for soft quacking sounds
- Observe their unique feeding behaviour of skimming the water's surface
- In the UK, visit coastal areas and inland wetlands during winter months
Additional Information
Quick Facts
Other names:
Shoveler
Family:
AnatidaePredators
Did You Know?
- The Northern Shoveler's bill has about 110 fine projections (called lamellae) along its edges for filtering food.
- They can consume up to 10,000 tiny invertebrates per day.
- Despite their large bills, Northern Shovelers are excellent flyers, capable of swift, agile flight.
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FAQs
Is a northern shoveler a diving duck?
Northern shovelers are dabbling ducks, not diving ducks. They get their food from the water’s surface rather than diving deep underwater.
Why do northern shovelers swim in circles?
Swimming in circles is a foraging tactic commonly used by northern shovelers to stir up aquatic invertebrates living in the muddy pond or lake bottom, with the circular movement of the water stirring them up and causing them to rise to the surface, making foraging easier.
References
- 2
website: BirdLife International. 2019. Spatula clypeata. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2019: e.T22680247A153875944.
View source - 1 3 4
report, 2015: Wetlands International