Northern Shoveler Photo Gallery
Breeding male
Reddish-brown flanks contrast with white chest and black back. Note the male's green head, long, oversized black bill, and yellow eye.
© Dorian Anderson / Macaulay LibraryCalifornia, March 03, 2020Female/immature
Females have a coarsely marked brown head and body. Their powdery-blue shoulder patch is sometimes visible at rest. Note the long, oversized orange bill and orange legs.
© Brendan Fogarty / Macaulay LibraryNew York, January 15, 2017Breeding male and female
Very long and wide bill is distinctive on both males and females, even at considerable distance.
© Larry Arbanas / Macaulay LibraryAlaska, June 18, 2007Not all videos have soundNonbreeding male
Subdued shadow of breeding plumage visible under coarse brown markings. Long, oversized black bill.
© Steve Metchis / Macaulay LibraryTexas, December 25, 2020Breeding male
Wings in flight show green secondaries and powdery-blue shoulder patch. Large, wide bill is often noticeable even in flight.
© Chris Wood / Macaulay LibraryColorado, December 30, 2008Breeding male
When molting into breeding plumage, males can still have some coarse brown markings on the chest and flanks.
© August Davidson-Onsgard / Macaulay LibraryNew York, February 05, 2019Female/immature
Bill has a distinctive long and lobed shape.
© Foster Wang / Macaulay LibraryDistrict of Columbia, October 17, 2020Flock
Large flocks sometimes feed by swimming in circles to stir up food.
© Jo-Szu [Ross] (若詩) Tsai (蔡) / Macaulay LibraryChiayi County, March 11, 2017Breeding male
Occurs in wetlands, particularly shallow ponds where it dabbles for food.
© Susan Zelek / Macaulay LibraryIllinois, March 20, 2017Compare with Similar Species
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Species in This Family
Ducks, Geese, and Waterfowl(Order: Anseriformes, Family: Anatidae)
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