Northern Shoveler
Spatula clypeata
Named for its large, spatula-like bill, this duck sweeps its bill side-to-side on the water’s surface, straining out small crustaceans and seeds. Males have a dark green head, white chest, and rusty flanks; females are mottled brown with that distinctive broad bill.
- Habitat: Shallow wetlands, marshes, coastal lagoons, and estuaries.
- When to See: Winter and passage migrant; more numerous in colder months.
- Diet / Food: Planktonic crustaceans, seeds, aquatic insects filtered from the surface.
- Length: 44–52 cm