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Nigel Key Northern Shoveler
(Slimbridge April 2013)
The Northern Shoveler, or Shoveller, is a dabbling duck and is common in northern areas of Europe, Asia and North America.
The Shovelers bill has developed a comb like structure on its edges which acts like a sieve to filter out food from the water's surface.
The Northern Shoveler population has increased over the few years due to favourable habitat and breeding conditions and is currently classed as Least Concern.
| Hear the Northern Shoveler's Call:- |
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Conservation Status
Size
480mm (19")
Appearance - Male
The male has an iridescent dark Green head, dark Yellow eyes, Black spatula shaped bill, White breast, Chestnut belly and flanks. The forewing feathers are pale Blue with a Green speculum and White feathers between the two. The legs and feet are Orange.
Appearance - Female
The female has mainly mottled Brown plumage with Yellow/Brown spatula bill and a Bluish shoulder patch.
Habitat
Wetlands, Wet Grasslands, Marshes, Lakes and Vegetation.
Diet
Aquatic Insects, Plankton, small animals, Weeds, Seeds, and Molluscs.
Breeding Time
Early April to June.
Nest
The nest is built from grass and plants lined with down sheltered by vegetation near water.
Eggs
Quantity: 8 to 12
Colour: Olive tinted pale Buff.
