Anas clypeata
The Northern Shoveler's spoon-like bill allows this large duck to strain small invertebrates from a pond's mucky bottom. While most ducks' bills have comb-like structures along the mandible edges, the shoveler's straining structures are more developed and allow it to feed more exclusively. Shovelers eat much smaller organisms than do most other waterfowl, and their intestines are elongated to prolong the digestion of these hard-bodied invertebrates. The Northern Shoveler is most commonly seen lounging in shallow wetlands or grazing hazardously along roadsides. The scientific name clypeata is Latin for 'furnished with a shield,' in reference to the shoveler's massive bill. |
I.D.: General: large, spatulate bill; blue forewing patch; green speculum. Male: green head; white breast; chestnut sides. Female: mottled brown overall; orange-tinged bill. Size: L 18-20 in. (46-51 cm). Range: locally common in the U.S. Rockies; uncommon migrant throughout the Rockies. Habitat: shallow marshes, bogs and lakes with muddy bottoms and emergent vegetation, in open and semi-open areas in the montane. Nesting: in a shallow hollow on dry ground, usually within 150 ft. (46 m) of water; female builds the nest with dry grass and down and incubates 10-12 eggs for 25 days; ducklings show the distinctive, spoon-like bill after 2 weeks. Feeding: dabbles and gleans the water and mud; strains out plant and animal matter, especially aquatic crustaceans, insect larvae and seeds; rarely tips up. Voice: generally quiet; occasionally a raspy chuckle or quack, most often heard in the spring courtship. Similar Species: Mallard: male has a chestnut breast and white flanks; female lacks the pale blue forewing and has a blue speculum. Blue-winged Teal: female has a much slimmer bill and is smaller. |
