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.
Best time to see a Northern Shoveler
The best time to see a Northern Shoveler is December–March, when about 61% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 65,461 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
Not certain it is a Northern Shoveler? What bird is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.
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