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Latin name

Anas clypeata

Family

Swans, ducks and geese (Anatidae)

Overview

Shovelers 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 them

Although 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 them

All year round

What they eat

Small 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 more

• Videos

Audio 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)

3 illustrations 123

Male

Female

Male shoveler in 'eclipse' plumage (artwork)

Similar birds

Shelduck

Mallard

Garganey