Northern Shoveler (Anas clypeata), also called Shoveller, is a very common winter visitor to wetlands of
Haryana and rest of north India.
Local names: Tidari, Tokarwala, Punana Order: ANSERIFORMES Family:
Anatidae Wingspan: 9-10 inches
Identification: Northern Shoveler is so named for its distinct large spoon-shaped bill. The male Shoveler has greenish feathers on the head and neck, the breast and
belly are white, the back is black and white, and the wings have a chestnut hue, with the inner wings being bluish. The female's belly and breast are white, the body is a
brownish color, and the inner wings are bluish. Habits: Northern Shovelers prefer shallow saltwater or freshwater wetlands like marshes, swamps, lakes, and lagoons. As they are not not aggressive birds, they can
get along with other dabbling ducks, diving ducks, whistling ducks and Shelducks. Feeding: Food includes water insects, snails and plankton. The bill of the Northern Shoveler has hair like lamellae that filter the water and capture the small
plankton.
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