Female and immature shovelers are mottled in brown and have powdery-blue on the wings that is sometimes visible on resting birds. Their very large orange bill is their most notable field mark.

Medium-sized duck; smaller than a Mallard. Huge, spoon-shaped bill visible at a distance and in flight. Breeding males have dark green head, white breast, and chestnut sides and belly. Females buffy-brown with large, distinctive bill. Chalky-blue upperwing. Forages by sifting through the water, often swimming in spirals in groups.

In non-breeding (eclipse) plumage, the drake resembles the female. The female is a drab mottled brown like other dabblers, [14] with plumage much like a female mallard, but easily distinguished by the long broad bill, which is gray tinged with orange on cutting edge and lower mandible. [5] The female's forewing is gray.

The female is no less interesting with a giant orange bill and mottled brown plumage. National Wildlife Refuges are a great place to look for Northern Shovelers from migration throughout the winter months (August–April). Look around the fringes of shallow areas for groups of ducks with their heads down foraging intently.

2023年3月9日 · Northern Shovelers are medium-sized ducks, with males being slightly larger than females. Overall, they measure 17-20 inches long with a wingspan of 14-30 inches. Their most striking feature is their distinctive bill. It is long, broad, and flattened at the end, resembling a spatula or a shovel, hence the name.

Several males may court one female, gathering around her on water. Each male in turn attempts to lead female away, by swimming away or by short flight; female indicates acceptance by flying away with male. Male remains with female longer than in most ducks, often through part of incubation period.

In New England, the Northern Shoveler is a very rare and local breeder. It is mainly seen during migration. See photos of the Northern Shoveler and learn about this bird's size, habitat, and diet. Includes identification tips, range information, and sounds.

Female Northern Shovelers do most of the nest-building. Their nests are on land, but very close to water. Between nine and eleven eggs are laid, and the female incubates the eggs on her own. When the eggs hatch, ducklings can swim and follow their mom around for food.

2024年6月7日 · Females are more subdued in coloration, with mottled brown bodies, orange bills, and blue wing patches similar to males. Northern Shovelers are widespread, with breeding grounds stretching across North America, Europe, and Asia. They prefer shallow wetlands, marshes, and ponds with plenty of emergent vegetation.

Female: mottled brown overall, gray bill is orange around edges. In flight: large bill; large pale blue patch on upper forewing; green speculum; large bill make wings appear set well back. Song: low "took, took", quacks. 43-51 cm (17-20") Common. Marshes, lakes, bays, ponds.