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Sound clips and movies require Adobe Flash player. Latin nameAnas clypeata FamilySwans, ducks and geese (Anatidae) OverviewShovelers are surface feeing ducks with huge spatulate bills. Males have dark green heads, with white breasts and chestnut flanks. Females are mottled brown. In flight birds show patches of light blue and green on their wings. In the UK they breed in southern and eastern England, especially around the Ouse Washes, the Humber and the North Kent Marshes, and in much smaller numbers in Scotland and western parts of England. In winter, breeding birds move south, and are replaced by an influx of continental birds from further north. The UK is home to more than 20% of the NW European population, making it an Amber List species. Where to see themAlthough widespread in winter, they can be seen in large numbers at places such as the RSPB's Ouse Washes nature reserve, Rutland Water and Abberton Reservoir in Essex. When to see themAll year round What they eatSmall insects and plant matter sifted from the water. Estimated numbers
* UK breeding is the number of pairs breeding annually. UK wintering is the number of individuals present from October to March. UK passage is the number of individuals passing through on migration in spring and/or autumn. Distribution
Please note that the map is only intended as a guide. It shows general distribution rather than detailed, localised populations. Find out moreAudio is from commercial recordings Bird Songs and Calls of Britain and Europe on 4 CDs or Bird Sounds of Europe & North-west Africa, copyright WildSounds & CEBA (www.wildsounds.com, (UK) +44 (0) 1263 741100) |
 Male  Female  Male shoveler in 'eclipse' plumage (artwork) Similar birdsHelp the ShovelerJoin today and help us continue our conservation work to keep these birds safe. |
View of reeds and pools at Conwy nature reserve - Ben Hall
Female shoveler in flight - Steve Round
Bird illustrations by Mike Langman (RSPB)