Northern Shoveller (Anas clypeata) - female
Northern Shoveler (Anas clypeata), also called
Shoveller, is a very common winter visitor to wetlands of India. Size: 51
cm Local names: Tidari, Tokarwala, Punana
Identification: Northern Shoveler is so named for its
distinct large spoon-shaped bill. The male Shoveler has greenish feathers on the
head and neck, the breast and belly are white, the back is black and white, and
the wings have a chestnut hue, with the inner wings being bluish. The female's
belly and breast are white, the body is a brownish color, and the inner wings
are bluish. The bill of the Northern Shoveler has hair like lamellae that filter
the water and capture the small plankton.
Habits: Northern Shovelers prefer shallow saltwater or freshwater
wetlands like marshes, swamps, lakes, and lagoons. As they are not not
aggressive birds, they can get along with other dabbling ducks, diving ducks, whistling ducks and Shelducks.
Food: water insects, snails and plankton, fish, spawn and small quantities of
vegetable shoots.
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