Australian Shoveler

Spatula rhynchotis

The Australian Shoveler is a species of dabbling duck found in Australia and New Zealand. It is easily recognized by its distinctive spatula-shaped bill, which it uses to filter food from the water. The male has striking plumage, with a blue-gray head, white chest, and chestnut flanks, while the female is more subtly colored with mottled brown plumage. These ducks are often found in wetlands, marshes, and shallow lakes, where they feed on aquatic plants, invertebrates, and small fish. They are known for their distinctive whistling calls and are often seen in small flocks. The Australian Shoveler is not considered to be globally threatened and is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN.

Habitat: Wetlands, marshes, shallow lakes