Show Navigation

Image 1 of 1

133076.jpg

Add to Lightbox Download
Shoveler - Spatula clypeata. L 44-52cm. Unmistakable because of bill shape. Usually unobtrusive. In flight, male shows blue forewing panel and white-bordered green speculum; in female, blue is replaced by grey. Sexes are dissimilar overall. Adult male has shiny green head, white breast and chestnut on flanks and belly. Stern is black and white and back is mainly dark. Has yellow eye and dark bill. In eclipse, resembles adult female although body is more rufous and head greyer. Adult female has mottled buffish brown plumage and yellowish bill. Juvenile is similar to adult female. Voice Male utters a sharp tuk-tuk while female makes a soft quack. Status Scarce breeding species on freshwater wetland. Commoner and more widespread in winter but seldom numerous.
Copyright
© ROGER TIDMAN/Nature Photographers
Image Size
3543x2362 / 3.5MB
www.naturephotographers.co.uk
Contained in galleries
BIRDS
Shoveler - Spatula clypeata. L 44-52cm. Unmistakable because of bill shape. Usually unobtrusive. In flight, male shows blue forewing panel and white-bordered green speculum; in female, blue is replaced by grey. Sexes are dissimilar overall. Adult male has shiny green head, white breast and chestnut on flanks and belly. Stern is black and white and back is mainly dark. Has yellow eye and dark bill. In eclipse, resembles adult female although body is more rufous and head greyer. Adult female has mottled buffish brown plumage and yellowish bill. Juvenile is similar to adult female. Voice Male utters a sharp tuk-tuk while female makes a soft quack. Status Scarce breeding species on freshwater wetland. Commoner and more widespread in winter but seldom numerous.