Where’s Wildlife · Bird Field Guide

Northern Shoveler

Spatula clypeata

Pronounced (approx.): SPAT-yoo-luh klip-ee-AH-tuh

A dabbling duck whose oversized bill is useful for straining small food items from shallow water.

Three Identification Clues

The very long bill widens toward the tip into a shovel shape.

Breeding males have a green head, white chest, and chestnut sides.

Females are mottled brown but share the distinctive broad bill.

Showing 8 of 10 photographs.

Observation records are not a complete seasonal range map.