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Northern Shoveler（Northern Shoveler） Photo: Charles J. Sharp · CC BY-SA 4.0 ↗
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Ducks, geese and swansWinter visitor and local breeder

Spatula clypeata

Northern Shoveler

Its exceptionally broad, shovel-shaped bill is useful in both sexes.

A recording has not been added yet. Use the identification notes below for now.

I know this bird · Record a sighting Where to look & how to find it ↓

FIELDCRAFT · FIND WITH CARE

Finding guide

Season first

Choose the season, find the habitat, then watch patiently. Search guidance is not a measure of rarity or conservation status.

When to go
Most accessible in autumn and winter; also breeds locally
Where to start
Shallow wetland reserve margins, flooded fields and estuary viewpoints.
What to do when you arrive
In autumn and winter, scan shallow-water ducks for the exceptionally broad bill before checking plumage. Wait for feeding birds to raise their heads rather than approaching.

Habitat and behaviour reference: BirdWatch Ireland ↗ · The practical steps are editorial advice based on the references, not live sightings.

Public visiting destinations on the island of Ireland Numbers correspond to the destination descriptions below; markers are not wildlife locations or entrance directions. 1. East Coast Nature Reserve · public viewpoints. 1 DESTINATIONS · NOT FOR NAVIGATION
What does the map mark?

Markers show approximate public destinations or visitor bases, not individuals, nests, rare plants or exact entrances. Follow the operator’s routes and signs for access.

Base map: Natural Earth · Public domain
Destination positions: © OpenStreetMap contributors · ODbL

  1. East Coast Nature Reserve · public viewpoints

    Older site guide

    BirdWatch Ireland’s Autumn 2014 site guide documents the associated waterbirds and Kingfisher, and summer Spotted Flycatcher. It establishes site associations, not current presence; follow the species season above.

    Before you goVisits are possible year-round, but the coastal trail closes in winter: view from the adjoining sea bank then. Stay on marked routes, keep gates closed and respect fences. Parking is limited, surfaces uneven; only guide dogs are permitted.

    Official routes & visiting information ↗ Find the destination on OpenStreetMap ↗
    Destination evidence & review date

    Sources reviewed: · A review date is not a sighting date; recheck access before travelling.

SPECIES NOTESSpecies notes
01

How to identify it

Very large spatulate bill. Males have a green head, white breast and chestnut sides; females mottled brown. The broad bill separates them from Mallard, including young birds.

02

Habitat

Marshes, shallow lakes, wet grassland, estuaries and water margins.

03

Behaviour

Filters small aquatic animals and seeds from shallow water.

04

When to look

Most accessible in autumn and winter; also breeds locally

05

Where to look

Shallow wetland reserve margins, flooded fields and estuary viewpoints.

Reference photos do not show every sex, age, season or geographic form; use the identification notes too.

Further reading:BirdWatch Ireland ↗ · Wikipedia ↗

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