Northern Shoveler Bird Details
Spatula clypeata
Northern Shoveler,Shoveler, Spoonbill Duck;
Chapati Chidiya
Linnaeus (1758)
Anseriformes (DUCKS)
Anatidae
Spatula
- North America, parts of Europe, and Asia.
- USA, Canada, and European Union.
- India(Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh) during winter
Appearance :
The Northern Shoveler is easily recognizable by its distinctive spoon-shaped bill. Males have a striking green head, white chest, and chestnut-colored sides, while females are mottled brown with a more subdued coloration.
Behaviour :
Northern Shovelers are social birds, often seen in flocks. They are known for their unique feeding behavior, dabbling on the surface of water and using their broad bills to filter food from the water.
Habitat :
These ducks inhabit freshwater marshes, ponds, and lakes. They prefer shallow waters with abundant vegetation, which provides cover and food.
Diet :
Northern Shovelers primarily feed on aquatic plants, seeds, and small invertebrates. Their unique bill shape helps them forage effectively in the mud and water.
Conservation Status :
Least Concern
Distribution :
They breed in North America and parts of Europe and Asia, migrating to warmer regions during winter.
Population Size :
Estimates suggest a stable population, with numbers often exceeding several 100,000
Life Span :
Northern Shovelers can live up to 10 years in the wild
Body And Tarsus:
- Body: Streamlined body adapted for dabbling; males have vibrant coloration, while females are more cryptic.
- Tarsus Length: Approximately 4.5 to 5.5 cm (1.8 to 2.2 inches).
Head And Bill :
- Head: Males have a distinctive green head, while females have a mottled brown head with a lighter facial pattern.
- Bill: Broad and spatula-shaped;
- Bill Length: About 7.5 to 9.0 cm (3.0 to 3.5 inches).
Length :
Ranges from 43 to 51 cm (17 to 20 inches).
Neck :
Relatively short and robust, allowing for easy feeding.
Size :
Medium-sized duck.
Tail Details :
- Tail: Short and pointed, typical of dabbling ducks.
- Tail Length: About 10 to 12 cm (4 to 5 inches).
- Feathers: Males have striking breeding plumage, while females have more muted, brownish feathers for camouflage.
Weight :
Typically weighs between 600 to 1,000 grams (1.3 to 2.2 pounds).
Wing :
Long and pointed, allowing for swift flight.
Wing Span :
About 81 to 86 cm (31.9 to 33.9 in).
Facial Feature :
Males have a distinctive green head and white chest, while females are mottled brown with a more subdued coloration.
Nest Details :
- Nest: Ground nest, often hidden in dense vegetation near water bodies.
- Nest Made Up Of: Grasses, reeds, and down feathers for insulation.
Breeding Season :
Generally occurs from late winter to early summer
Nesting Season :
Typically from April to June.
Egg Color :
Usually pale buff or cream-colored.
Egg Length :
About 5.0 to 6.0 cm (2.0 to 2.4 in).
Egg Width and Weight :
- Egg Width: Approximately 3.5 to 4.0 cm (1.4 to 1.6 in).
- Egg Weight: Around 40 to 50 grams (1.4 to 1.8 oz).
Clutch Size :
Typically ranges from 7 to 12 eggs.
No. of Broods :
Generally one brood per season; however, some females may attempt a second brood if conditions are favorable.
Incubation Period :
Approximately 24 to 28 days.
Nestling Period :
Young typically fledge around 50 to 60 days after hatching.
Vocalization :
Males produce a soft "quack" or "whistle," while females have a louder, quack-like call.
Sex Demorphism :
Males are brightly colored with a striking green head, while females are cryptically colored to blend in with their surroundings.
Migration Details :
- Migration Pattern: Migratory species, often traveling in large flocks.
- Migration Period: Generally migrates in the fall (September to November) and returns in the spring (March to April).
- Migration Route: Breeds in North America and migrates to the southern United States and Mexico for wintering. Migration routes vary, with some following the Mississippi Flyway and others the Pacific Flyway.