Taxonomy
Anas clypeata | Northern Shoveler | Spadalach
Distribution
Status
Conservation status
This species is Red-listed according
to Birds of Conservation Concern in Ireland 2020-2026 and is of high
conservation value as a result.
According to the last IUCN Red
List assessment in 2019, the Shoveler is a species of ‘Least Concern’ on a
global scale. However, a decreasing global population trend was noted.
Species Biology
Identification
The Shoveler is a large species of
duck with a characteristic large, almost spatula-shaped bill. This is where the
name stems from.
The male has a dark greenish head
with a white breast, brown-ginger flanks and a baby blue upper forewing.
The female is less grandiose,
appearing a mottled brown colour all over, with none of the bright colours
expressed by the male.
The Shoveler stands at a length
of 44-52 cm and has a wingspan of 70-84 cm. Weight can range from 400-1,000
grams.
Diet
The Shoveler is
an omnivorous species that feeds on animal material such as small insects,
zooplankton, crustaceans, molluscs and various larval species as well as plant
material such as seeds.
It utilises its
broad bill to filter any food items from the water with a sideways sweeping
motion.
Habitat
Suitable feeding
habitat includes ephemeral wetlands such as turloghs and callows.
It is a ground
nesting species that nests within vegetation along the water’s edge.
Suitable
wintering habitat includes coastal estuaries, callows, inland lakes and
lagoons.
Reproduction
During
breeding, this species lays a clutch of 9-11 eggs, each weighing approximately
40 grams, and incubates these eggs for a period of 22-23 days.
The young
fledge after 40-45 days.
A typical wild
Shoveler will have a life expectancy of around three years, with breeding
occurring after one year.
Distribution
World distribution(GBIF)
Irish distribution
The Shoveler is a resident
breeding species in Ireland but numbers are bolstered during winter months when
the country hosts visitors from northern Europe, western Russia and France.
Temporal change
Records submitted to Data Centre in 2024
The following map is interactive. If you would prefer to view it full screen then click here.
Further information
BirdWatch Ireland: https://birdwatchireland.ie/birds/shoveler/
The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds: https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/wildlife-guides/bird-a-z/shoveler/
British Trust for Ornithology: https://app.bto.org/birdfacts/results/bob1940.htm
IUCN Red List: https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/22680247/153875944