Today I saw quite some Northern Shovelers (Anas Clypeata) in London Wetland Centre. And I realised that I never wrote a blog about this typical duck. It’s name is obviously derived from the unique (and not so pretty) bill, with which they can do all kind of useful things. especially when it comes down to getting food.
They feed by dabbling for plant food, often by swinging its bill from side to side and using the bill to strain food from the water. They use their highly specialized bill (from which their name is derived) to forage for aquatic invertebrates – a carnivorous diet.
Their wide-flat bill is equipped with well-developed lamellae – small, comb-like structures on the edge of the bill that act like sieves, allowing the birds to skim crustaceans and plankton from the water's surface (source: Wikipedia).
But I have seen that their bill can also be used for other activities, such as scratching, fighting etc.
The colours of the male (outside the eclipse period) are very distinctive and quite remarkable. A white base chest with a brown underbelly. Very bright dark-green head and beautiful black and white feathers on the back. The colours do compensate the ugly broad bill.
The female Shoveler has typical female duck colours, but with the different bill. They must eat as well after all.
I will finish with a picture where both male and female Shovelers can be seen. It was taken in London Wetland Centre.
Another wonderful duck, that’s for sure!
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