Red Shoveler
NameRed Shoveler
Common NameRed Shoveler
Scientific NameSpatula platalea
FamilyAnatidae
Wingspan (cm)71
Length (cm)50.5
Weight (g)650
Plumage DetailsAdult males have a pale grey head, bright blue eyes, and a large black spatulate bill. Their body is reddish-brown with prominent black spots on the flanks and breast, a dark back, and dark wings with a blue speculum. Females are duller, mottled brown overall with a similar large bill.
Vocalization / CallMales produce a low, guttural 'chook-chook' call and a soft whistle. Females emit a typical duck-like quack.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatswetland
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeThis species is found in South America, primarily in the southern cone, including Argentina, Chile, Uruguay, Paraguay, southern Brazil, Bolivia, and Peru.
Identifying FeaturesLarge, spatulate bill, Male's pale grey head and bright blue eyes, Male's reddish-brown body with black spots, Dabbling feeding behavior
Description
The Red Shoveler is a medium-sized dabbling duck easily recognized by its distinctive large, spatulate bill. Males display a pale grey head with bright blue eyes and a reddish-brown body heavily spotted with black. They are typically found filter-feeding in shallow freshwater wetlands.
