Northern Shoveler

HOW TO IDENTIFY:

* Length: 14 inches Wingspan: 31 inches
* Large dabbling duck
* Large spatulate bill
* Juvenile similar to adult female

Adult male alternate:

* Alternate plumage worn from fall through early summer
* Black bill
* Eyes yellow
* Green head
* White lower neck, breast, and tail
* Rusty underbody with white band on hind flanks
* Dark back, with elongated white scapulars
* Pale blue upper secondary coverts
* Green speculum with white leading and trailing edges

Adult male basic

* Similar to adult female

Adult female:

* Eyes brown
* Orange bill with dusky patches
* Mottled brown and buff head, neck and back
* Dusky blue upper secondary coverts
* Dull green speculum with white fore border

Similar species:

Large, spatulate bill makes the Northern Shoveler immediately recognizable in all plumages.