Field Notes: NORTHERN SHOVELER
Two male and one female Northern Shoveler swimming in pond
Male Northern Shoveler in what appears to be a transitional plumage from non-breeding to breeding
Northern Shoveler are ducks with very large bills compared to most other ducks. The male has a blue-green head with reddish/brown sides and a white breast. The female, as with many female ducks, is less distinctive, but still easily identifiable by the large spoon bill.
I've seen Northern Shoveler in the winter months. The photos here were made in March.
Male Northern Shoveler in flight