Anas clypeata
L 19"(48 cm).

Song or calls:
Females, harsh quack. Males generally silent.

more images

NEBRASKAland Magazine/Nebraska Game and Parks Commission.

Description: Identified most rapidly by large shovel-shaped bill. Green head, white breast, and brown sides. White patch before a black tail. Females mottled brown. In flight show a patch of blue on the forewing, and have a green speculum.

Behavior: Uses broad bill to sieve animal matter from the water.

Habitat: Breeding birds occupy shallow prairie marshes and ponds. Prefer habitats rich in zooplankton and phytoplankton. Also prefer non-wooded shorelines and ponds with mud bottoms.

Where in Nebraska: Common, locally abundant, spring migrant statwide. Locally common regular breeder in North Central Nebraska. A rare regular winter visitor in the Platte Valley.

Nebraska Seasons: Usually spring migration numbers peak in late March through late April.

Fun Facts: Northern Shoveler females, when flushed off her nest, defecates on the eggs before leaving, possibly to deter predators.