Northern Shoveler

LC - Least Concern

N5B, N5N - Secure Breeding and Nonbreeding

SNRB - Unranked Breeding

not listed

18″ to 20″ in length

30″ wingspan

Shallow marshes, bogs, and lakes with muddy bottoms

Early March to mid-May and August to early December

Common migrant, uncommon breeder

The Minnesota Ornithologists’ Union All Seasons Species Occurrence Map

This species was originally placed in the genus Anas. A molecular phylogenetic study published in 2009 showed that the genus contained members with different evolutionary ancestors – it was polyphyletic – and the genus was split into four new genera. This species and nine others were placed in the resurrected genus Spatula.

Northern Shoveler & a pair of Green-winged Teal...

The Northern Shoveler was preening and the pair of Green-winged Teal just kind of were in the same spot. The Northern Shoveler has real bright colored legs. Interesting colorful duck and a bit larger than the little Green-winged Teal. I think from what I have observed the little Green-winged Teal make up for it in character.

Male Green-winged Teal rise up and then somewhat bow down with their tail and wing feathers angled upward and turn and flash the females when mating courtship is occurring. First season I have encountered the Green-winged Teal but have seen the Northern Shoveler a few seasons or so. I spent more time pursuing the Green-winged since they seemed more action packed and pretty cute as well.

Male and Female pair.

Mating male plumage.

Pair on Long Lake in Stillwater MN

A Northern Shoveler flying low over the marsh In The Big Stone National Wildlife Refuge along a gated service road.

An adult male Northern Shoveler on driftwood along the banks of The Minnesota River in The Big Stone National Wildlife Refuge.

Female Northern Shoiveler floating on the Minnesota River in The Big Stone National Wildlife Refuge.

A female and Male Northern Shoveler paddling down the Minnesota River in The Big Stone National Wildlife Refuge.

Location: a wetland in Norman Co. Mn.

The Northern Shoveler was preening and the pair of Green-winged Teal just kind of were in the same spot. The Northern Shoveler has real bright colored legs. Interesting colorful duck and a bit larger than the little Green-winged Teal. I think from what I have observed the little Green-winged Teal make up for it in character.

Male Green-winged Teal rise up and then somewhat bow down with their tail and wing feathers angled upward and turn and flash the females when mating courtship is occurring. First season I have encountered the Green-winged Teal but have seen the Northern Shoveler a few seasons or so. I spent more time pursuing the Green-winged since they seemed more action packed and pretty cute as well.

Location: Stillwater, MN

Male and Female pair. Mating male plumage. Pair on Long Lake in Stillwater MN

Location: Westwood Hills Nature Center

Location: Big Stone National Wildlife Refuge

A Northern Shoveler flying low over the marsh In The Big Stone National Wildlife Refuge along a gated service road.

Location: Big Stone National Wildlife Refuge

An adult male Northern Shoveler on driftwood along the banks of The Minnesota River in The Big Stone National Wildlife Refuge.

Location: Big Stone National Wildlife Refuge

A female and Male Northern Shoveler paddling down the Minnesota River in The Big Stone National Wildlife Refuge.

Location: Agassiz National Wildlife Refuge