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Birdle

All birds
Northern Shoveler

Photo: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Headquarters / Public domain

Northern Shoveler

Spatula clypeata

Instantly recognizable by its huge, spatula-shaped bill, the male Northern Shoveler has a green head, white chest, and chestnut flanks. It swims low with its oversized bill skimming the surface, filtering tiny crustaceans and seeds from the water. It breeds across the Northern Hemisphere's wetlands and prairies.

Fun Fact

Its spoon-shaped bill is lined with over a hundred fine comb-like projections that strain food from the water.

Attributes

TypeWaterfowl
Habitatwetland
SizeMedium
Dietomnivore
FlightStandard
Colorsgreen, white, brown
MigratoryYes
ContinentsNorth America, Europe, Asia
Nest Typeground
ConservationLeast Concern
Difficulty: medium