Northern Shoveler (Anas clypeata). Photo courtesy of USFWS.

Named for its unique and dynamic bill, the northern shoveler is a medium-sized dabbling duck that is typically seen in Austin from mid-September to mid-May, when most have migrated north to mate, though some do mate and raise offspring in Texas.

Amidst flocks of dabbling ducks, the Northern Shoveler’s large bill (typically about 2.5 inches long) makes it easy to identify. The duck’s shovel-shaped bill contains hundreds of comb-like structures called lamellae that filter tiny zooplankton, seeds and crustaceans from the water. They swim through wetlands with their bills in water and head moving side to side, filtering the water.

The males are brightly plumed and have an orange body, white chest, deep green head and vibrant blue wing patches.

Although shovelers look heavy-bodied, they are good fliers; at large gatherings during migration or winter, small groups of these ducks are often seen taking off, circling the area, and then landing again, for no apparent reason.

Monogamous, the shovelers pair up on the wintering grounds and remain together longer than most dabbling ducks. The male follows the female north to her breeding territory in spring. After breeding and molting, males travel together in flocks of 20-40. During this molting period, the male tries to keep hidden and is rarely seen.

When ready to nest, typically the female will choose a spot in short grass near water. The female shoveler will scrape a shallow bowl and line it with dry grasses and down feathers. On average, she will lay 10-11 smooth, pale greenish-gray eggs at the rate of one per day. The female will incubate the eggs for 25-35 days. During this time, if she is flushed from her nest, she will defecate on the eggs in an effort to deter predators.

Compiled by Lindsey Hernandez.

Sources include: All About Birds, National Audubon, The Texas Breeding Bird Atlas, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife.