Page 106 - Complete Birds of Britain and Europe (DK - RSPB)

WILDFOWL
Order Anseriformes Family Anatidae Species Anas clypeata
Shoveler

orange sides
streaked, pale heavy bill with pale crescent
on face
brown body
grey forewings dark head
rufous-tinged
flanks
FEMALE
FEMALE
green-black
pale blue forewings MALE (SUMMER)
head
dark rufous
flanks striking yellow eye
MALE
long, heavy,
shovel-like
black bill
IN FLIGHT

MALE
(WINTER)
bright white
breast

ale Shovelers in breeding plumage are obvious
Mand easily identified by their green heads, white FLIGHT: quick, agile; strong, deep wingbeats,
breasts, and chestnut sides, while females are distinctive short-tailed effect.
at close range but best identified by shape at a distance.
They have the typical plumage of female dabbling
ducks: streaked and pale brown overall.While taking
flight, Shovelers make a characteristic “woofing” noise
with their wings.
VOICE Male has deep took took; female has deep,
quiet quack.
NESTING Down- or leaf-lined hollow near water;
8–12 eggs; 1 brood; March–June.
FEEDING Dabbles, often in tight, circular flocks,
for seeds and invertebrates, with bill thrust forward FEEDING IN WATER
on water surface or underwater and shoulders To reach slightly deeper food, Shovelers tip up on end, when the long,
practically awash. pointed wingtips become especially conspicuous.
SIMILAR SPECIES OCCURRENCE
Breeds mostly in E Europe on reedy
browner forewing smaller GARGANEY 3 pools, generally in lowland areas.
bill summer, similar
to 3; see p.107 In winter, more widespread in
W, on fresh water, marshes, and
white line
sheltered estuaries with grassy salt
marshes crossed by creeks. Some
reservoirs attract autumn flocks.
MALLARD 2 blue
similar to 2; speculum on Seen in the UK
see p.101 hindwing J F M A M JJ A S O N D
Length 44–52cm (17 1 ⁄2 –20 1 ⁄2in) Wingspan 70–84cm (28–33in) Weight 400–1,000g (14–36oz)
Social Flocks Lifespan 10–20 years Status Secure
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