Credit Kevin Woolner 1/5
Female shoveler by David Savory 2/5
Male shoveler by Kevin Woolner 3/5
Male shoveler by Elizabeth Dack 4/5
Credit Kevin Woolner 5/5

Shoveler Anas clypeata

Shovelers are surface feeding ducks which sweep their large, flat bills back and forth through the water, filtering out small invertebrates, plant seeds and other plant matter.

Conservation status

Classified in the UK as Amber under the Birds of Conservation Concern 4: the Red List for Birds (2015). Protected in the UK under the Wildlife and Countryside Act, 1981.

Related questions & advice

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Details

Did you know? As with many duck species, male (or 'drake') shovelers moult their colourful feathers when the breeding season is over, and go into 'eclipse' plumage - a mottled brown, just like the female (or 'hen'). This helps to camouflage them from predators.
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