Northern Shoveler
(Spatula clypeata)
Conservation • Description • Habitat • Ecology • Distribution • Taxonomy
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Description |
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Size |
18″ to 20″ in length 30″ wingspan |
Voice |
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Similar Species |
Habitat |
Shallow marshes, bogs, and lakes with muddy bottoms |
Ecology |
Migration |
Early March to mid-May and August to early December |
Nesting |
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Food |
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Distribution |
Occurrence |
Common migrant, uncommon breeder |
Maps |
The Minnesota Ornithologists’ Union All Seasons Species Occurrence Map |
Taxonomy |
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Class |
Aves (birds) |
Order |
Anseriformes (waterfowl) |
Family |
Anatidae (ducks, geese, and swans) |
Subfamily |
Anatinae (dabbling ducks) |
Genus |
Spatula (shovelers and allies) |
This species was originally placed in the genus Anas. A molecular phylogenetic study published in 2009 showed that the genus contained members with different evolutionary ancestors – it was polyphyletic – and the genus was split into four new genera. This species and nine others were placed in the resurrected genus Spatula. |
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Subordinate Taxa |
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Synonyms |
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Anas clypeata |
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Visitor Photos |
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Dan W. Andree |
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Northern Shoveler & a pair of Green-winged Teal... The Northern Shoveler was preening and the pair of Green-winged Teal just kind of were in the same spot. The Northern Shoveler has real bright colored legs. Interesting colorful duck and a bit larger than the little Green-winged Teal. I think from what I have observed the little Green-winged Teal make up for it in character. |
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Male Green-winged Teal rise up and then somewhat bow down with their tail and wing feathers angled upward and turn and flash the females when mating courtship is occurring. First season I have encountered the Green-winged Teal but have seen the Northern Shoveler a few seasons or so. I spent more time pursuing the Green-winged since they seemed more action packed and pretty cute as well. |
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Erin Ellingsworth |
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Male and Female pair. Mating male plumage. Pair on Long Lake in Stillwater MN |
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Margot Avey |
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Lynn Rubey |
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| A Northern Shoveler flying low over the marsh In The Big Stone National Wildlife Refuge along a gated service road. | An adult male Northern Shoveler on driftwood along the banks of The Minnesota River in The Big Stone National Wildlife Refuge. |
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| Female Northern Shoiveler floating on the Minnesota River in The Big Stone National Wildlife Refuge. | A female and Male Northern Shoveler paddling down the Minnesota River in The Big Stone National Wildlife Refuge. |
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Bill Reynolds |
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MinnesotaSeasons.com Photos |
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Slideshows |
Northern Shoveler |
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Northern Shoveler |
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Northern Shoveler |
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Visitor Videos |
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Dan W. Andree |
"Northern Shoveler Preening & a Pair of Green-winged Teal Ducks" Dan W Andree |
About
This short video shows a male Northern Shoveler preening with a pair of Green-winged Teal ducks enjoying the same area. Occasional sound of a redwing blackbird. Filmed during a somewhat breezy spring day at a pond in Norman County, Mn. Hope you enjoy it. |
Other Videos |
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Burnaby Lake female Shoveler |
About
Uploaded on Feb 19, 2011 female Northern Shoveler seen at Piper Spit, Burnaby Lake, BC ( Spatula clypeata ) |
SKEDAND Northern Shoveler (Spatula clypeata) Klipp - 1185 |
About
Published on May 29, 2013 Skedand. Asköviken Västerås i Västmanland 15-Maj 2013, Northern Shoveler in Sweden, AROS FILM Fotograf: Gunnar Fernqvist. |
Northern Shoveler Duck (UK Lake Birds) |
About
Published on Jan 28, 2013 No description available. |
Northern Shoveler pair swirling |
About
Uploaded on Nov 26, 2011 The behavior of swirling, gathering plankton or seeds from water surface by straining with bill. 11/26/2011 (Sat) morning at East Pond, Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge, NYC. |
Male Northern Shoveler |
About
Published on Jan 18, 2014 No description available. |
Visitor Sightings |
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| Dan W. Andree Early May 2023 |
Location: a wetland in Norman Co. Mn. The Northern Shoveler was preening and the pair of Green-winged Teal just kind of were in the same spot. The Northern Shoveler has real bright colored legs. Interesting colorful duck and a bit larger than the little Green-winged Teal. I think from what I have observed the little Green-winged Teal make up for it in character. |
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Male Green-winged Teal rise up and then somewhat bow down with their tail and wing feathers angled upward and turn and flash the females when mating courtship is occurring. First season I have encountered the Green-winged Teal but have seen the Northern Shoveler a few seasons or so. I spent more time pursuing the Green-winged since they seemed more action packed and pretty cute as well. |
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| Erin Ellingsworth 4/14/2023 |
Location: Stillwater, MN Male and Female pair. Mating male plumage. Pair on Long Lake in Stillwater MN |
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| Margot Avey 8/20/2019 |
Location: Westwood Hills Nature Center |
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| Lynn Rubey 8/13/2019 |
Location: Big Stone National Wildlife Refuge A Northern Shoveler flying low over the marsh In The Big Stone National Wildlife Refuge along a gated service road. |
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| Lynn Rubey 6/22/2019 |
Location: Big Stone National Wildlife Refuge An adult male Northern Shoveler on driftwood along the banks of The Minnesota River in The Big Stone National Wildlife Refuge. |
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| Lynn Rubey 5/20/2019 |
Location: Big Stone National Wildlife Refuge A female and Male Northern Shoveler paddling down the Minnesota River in The Big Stone National Wildlife Refuge. |
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| Bill Reynolds 6/15/2008 |
Location: Agassiz National Wildlife Refuge |
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MinnesotaSeasons.com Sightings |
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