BIRD OF THE MONTH

October: Northern Shoveler

by Janine Schutt

Photograph of Northern Shoveler Female provided by Janine Schutt

Northern Shoveler

Fall has fallen and the ducks are dropping in. Every year, Kitsap waters teem with a variety of diving and dabbling ducks that will stay in the area until spring. The Northern Shoveler is one of the more unique dabbling ducks, easily recognizable by its oversized bill. Here are some fascinating facts about the Northern Shoveler:

Northern America’s lone Shoveler species, which is also found in Europe and Asia.
Named for its big, prominent bill that resembles the shape of a shovel or spoon.
The inside edge of the bill is lined with a comb-like material called lamellae, which allows it to strain water from its bill, trapping food particles such as plants and tiny aquatic invertebrates.
Most of the North American population breeds across Alaska, southern Canada, and the plains states, while the non-breeding season is spent across the southern states, Mexico, and the Caribbean islands.
In Washington, it primarily breeds in eastern Washington wetlands.
From late summer to late spring, it makes its non-breeding season home across western Washington in estuaries, shallow ponds, and wetlands.
Locally, it is often found at Theler Wetlands in Belfair, Gorst Creek estuary, Long Lake near Port Orchard, Clear Creek Trail wetlands north of Silverdale, Battle Point Park on north Bainbridge Island, and Point No Point County Park in Hansville.
Forages in muddy, stagnant water by skimming the surface and swinging its oversized bill from side to side as it strains the water for seeds, tiny plant particles, and crustaceans. Groups often forage together by swimming in circles to stir up food.
An elongated digestive system allows it to fully digest hard-bodied invertebrates.
Nests in short, dry vegetation within 150 feet of water. The female uses her bill and feet to scrape the ground and shapes the nest with her body. She lines it with grass, leaves, and her own downy feathers.
The female incubates 8 to 12 eggs for 22-25 days. Hatchlings follow their mother to the nearest water. They are independent and capable of flight within 45 days.
Chicks’ bills are much like other duck species. As the duckling grows, the bill quickly takes its trademark size and shape.

Photo of a Northern Shoveler Male provided by Janine Schutt

Photo of Caspian Tern by Janine Schutt

Bird of the Month

BIRD OF THE MONTH

October: Northern Shoveler

by Janine Schutt

Photograph of Northern Shoveler Female provided by Janine Schutt

Northern Shoveler

Northern America’s lone Shoveler species, which is also found in Europe and Asia.

Named for its big, prominent bill that resembles the shape of a shovel or spoon.

The inside edge of the bill is lined with a comb-like material called lamellae, which allows it to strain water from its bill, trapping food particles such as plants and tiny aquatic invertebrates.

Most of the North American population breeds across Alaska, southern Canada, and the plains states, while the non-breeding season is spent across the southern states, Mexico, and the Caribbean islands.

In Washington, it primarily breeds in eastern Washington wetlands.

From late summer to late spring, it makes its non-breeding season home across western Washington in estuaries, shallow ponds, and wetlands.

Locally, it is often found at Theler Wetlands in Belfair, Gorst Creek estuary, Long Lake near Port Orchard, Clear Creek Trail wetlands north of Silverdale, Battle Point Park on north Bainbridge Island, and Point No Point County Park in Hansville.

Forages in muddy, stagnant water by skimming the surface and swinging its oversized bill from side to side as it strains the water for seeds, tiny plant particles, and crustaceans. Groups often forage together by swimming in circles to stir up food.

An elongated digestive system allows it to fully digest hard-bodied invertebrates.

Nests in short, dry vegetation within 150 feet of water. The female uses her bill and feet to scrape the ground and shapes the nest with her body. She lines it with grass, leaves, and her own downy feathers.

The female incubates 8 to 12 eggs for 22-25 days. Hatchlings follow their mother to the nearest water. They are independent and capable of flight within 45 days.

Chicks’ bills are much like other duck species. As the duckling grows, the bill quickly takes its trademark size and shape.