Northern Shoveler
Spatula clypeata
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Northern Shoveler
Spatula clypeata
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Description
Northern Shovelers are easily identified by their large spoon-like bill. Shovelers often swim along with their big bills barely submerged in front of them, straining food from the muddy soup of shallow waters. The males have a dark green head, like a Mallard, white chest, rust colored belly, and dark brown wings. The females are various shades of brown and have a bright orange bill, and the males have a dark gray/black bill.
Illustration by Kim McNett
Habitat and Status
The Northern Shoveler is a fairly common migrant and a locally common breeder in the Chugach Region. Audubon’s climate modeling suggests that 75% of its current summer range will be lost by 2080, with no potential for expansion as the open wetlands used for breeding dry out. However, Northern Shovelers will winter further northward, including small populations likely in the Chugach Region by 2080.
Distribution of Northern Shovelers in the Chugach Region.
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