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Northern Shoveler

Silhouette DucksDucks
Northern ShovelerSpatula clypeata
  • ORDER: Anseriformes
  • FAMILY: Anatidae

Basic Description

Perhaps the most outwardly distinctive of the dabbling ducks thanks to its large spoon-shaped bill, the Northern Shoveler busily forages head down in shallow wetlands. Its uniquely shaped bill has comblike projections along its edges, which filter out tiny crustaceans and seeds from the water. If the bill doesn’t catch your eye, the male's blocky color palette sure will, with its bright white chest, rusty sides, and green head. The female is no less interesting with a giant orange bill and mottled brown plumage.

More ID Info
image of range map for Northern Shoveler
Year-roundBreedingMigrationNonbreeding
Range map provided by Birds of the World
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Find This Bird

National Wildlife Refuges are a great place to look for Northern Shovelers from migration throughout the winter months (August–April). Look around the fringes of shallow areas for groups of ducks with their heads down foraging intently. They tend to use more stagnant pools of water than other ducks, so you may also find them in smaller and murkier pools of water. The male's bright white chest will surely attract your attention if you don't immediately see their giant bill. Shovelers are a little less wary than other ducks, sometimes affording closer looks without the need of a spotting scope.

Other Names

  • Cuchara Común (Spanish)
  • Canard souchet (French)
  • Cool Facts