Northern Shoveler

About this Species

The Northern Shoveler (Spatula clypeata) is a dabbling duck species that is commonly found in wetlands throughout the Yucatan Peninsula. These birds are easily recognizable due to their distinctively large, spoon-shaped bills, which they use to filter small aquatic organisms from the water. During the breeding season, Northern Shovelers can be found in shallow wetlands and marshes where they construct their nests out of vegetation and lay their eggs.

In the Yucatan Peninsula, the Northern Shoveler is known to be a migratory species that spends the winter months in the region before returning to breeding grounds in North America during the spring. During the non-breeding season, these ducks can be found in a variety of wetland habitats, including freshwater marshes, coastal lagoons, and estuaries. They are known to feed on a wide range of aquatic invertebrates, including crustaceans, insects, and mollusks.

Despite being a relatively common species, the Northern Shoveler faces a number of threats throughout its range, including habitat loss and degradation, pollution, and hunting pressure. Conservation efforts are underway to protect wetland habitats in the Yucatan Peninsula and throughout the Americas, which will help to ensure the long-term survival of this important waterfowl species.