The Northern Shoveler has the most specialized bill of any dabbling duck — a large, spatula-shaped bill with comb-like lamellae that filter tiny crustaceans and algae from the water as the bird swims with its bill submerged. Groups often spin in tight circles while feeding to stir up food from the bottom. The male's green head, white breast, and chestnut flanks make it a distinctive bird.
Habitat
Shallow marshes, muddy ponds, and flooded fields
Diet
Aquatic invertebrates, seeds, and algae filtered from water
How common
Common
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