Northern Shoveler

Anas clypeata

The Northern Shoveler is a medium-sized (43-56 cm) duck with a distinctive, large spatulate bill.  The male has a glossy green head, rufous flanks and a white breast.  In flight, it shows light blue upper wing coverts which form a large patch on the forewing, and a green speculum.  The bill is blackish, the eye is yellow and the legs are bright orange.  The female is mottled buffy brown overall, darker brown on the back. Its bill is mainly orange, the eye is black and the legs are orange.

The Northern Shoveler frequents a variety of shallow freshwater wetlands such as lakes, ponds and marshes, as well as tidal mudflats and brackish lagoons in winter.  It feeds mainly on small aquatic invertebrates such as insects, molluscs and crustaceans, as well as seeds and plant remains.  It obtains food by filtering water from the surface, by head-dipping and by up-ending.

In Taiwan the Northern Shoveler is a common winter visitor.

References:  Handbook of Birds of the World Vol. 1; A Field Guide to the Birds of China (Mackinnon and Phillipps); 100 Common Birds of Taiwan (Wild Bird Society of Taipei)