What Is the Northern Shoveler?

The northern shoveler is a medium-sized duck that can be found in different parts of the world including North America and the northern regions in Asia and Europe. This duck is also known as a shoveler and spoonbill because of its spatulate bill, the largest of any North American duck. The northern shoveler averages a length of around 19 inches (48 centimeters) at maturity, and a wingspan of about 30 inches (76 centimeters). Its weight at maturity ranges between 0.88 and 1.8 pounds (400 and 800 grams), with the males weighing more than the females. The scientific name of the northern spoonbill is Anas clypeata and it is a member of the anatidea family.

Spoonbills are dimorphic, which means there are noticeable differences between the two sexes. The male northern shoveler has an iridescent green head and a white chest with a brown belly and sides, while the female spoonbill has a much duller coloration consisting of different shades of brown. They are dabbling ducks, which means they tip upside down in the water to feed. The northern shoveler likes to inhabit shallow wetlands with muddy margins and eats underwater vegetation, seeds, aquatic insects, and snails. It slowly moves its head from side to side underwater to catch plankton in small, hair-like structures on its bill called lamellae that act like sieves.

Northern shovelers are monogamous and bond after the males perform a mating dance that consists of different bird calls, flapping wings, turns, and head dipping. The female northern shoveler lays clutches of 6-12 pale green eggs in a shallow area she scrapes in the ground. She typically chooses an area of short vegetation to build her nest.

The eggs take about four hours to hatch after an incubation period of around 22-26 days. When they first hatch, northern shoveler ducklings don’t have the distinctive, spoon-shaped bill. Their bills gradually assume the spatulate shape as they mature. The ducklings are able to leave the nest shortly after hatching, and the mother takes care of them for up to two months. A pair of northern shovelers only hatches one brood each year.

The northern shoveler is generally a peaceful duck that coexists with other types of ducks most of the time. During mating season, however, the male assertively defends its territory against other duck species. In winter, the northern shoveler migrates south, then returns in the spring to its northern territory.

The Northern Shoveler (Anas clypeata) is most notable for its large, spoon-shaped bill, which sets it apart from other ducks. This specialized bill has over 100 fine projections (lamellae) along the edges that act like a sieve, allowing the bird to filter out food from the water. Their unique feeding method, skimming the water's surface, is a sight to behold.

Northern Shovelers are migratory birds found across North America, Europe, and Asia. They breed in the northern regions and winter in southern areas, including the southern United States, Mexico, and the Mediterranean basin. They prefer wetlands, marshes, and shallow lakes, where their feeding technique is most effective.

Northern Shovelers have a diverse diet, primarily consisting of aquatic invertebrates, plankton, and seeds. Their elongated bills allow them to filter-feed on small organisms such as crustaceans and insects. During the breeding season, they may consume more vegetation, including seeds and roots of aquatic plants, to gain additional nutrients.

Northern Shovelers are monogamous during the breeding season. They nest on the ground, often in dense vegetation near water. The female lays about 9 to 12 eggs, which she incubates for around three weeks. After hatching, the ducklings are precocial and can leave the nest within hours, guided by their mother to water.

As of my knowledge cutoff in 2023, the Northern Shoveler is not considered endangered. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), they are listed as a species of Least Concern. However, they are subject to the same environmental pressures as other waterfowl, including habitat loss and pollution.

In the wild, Northern Shovelers can live up to 10 years, although many may not reach this age due to predation and other natural challenges. In captivity, with proper care, they may live longer. Annual survival rates for adults are estimated at around 62%, according to banding studies.