Northern Shoveler

The Northern Shoveler owes its name to its large, spoon-shaped bill. As it swims, it
generally keeps its bill partially submerged, moving it from side to side. The inside
edge of the bill is serrated, which aids in sifting the surface water for plant food and
small aquatic animals. Although it is a dabbling duck, it forages so efficiently on the
surface of the water that it rarely needs to reach below the surface of the water to feed,
as other dabblers do.
Look for the Northern Shoveler on any shallow pond or lake or with other waterfowl
in well-flooded fields. Good viewing spots include Beaver Lake in Stanley Park,
Burnaby Lake, the Ladner marshes, all sewage lagoons and the George C. Reifel
Migratory Bird Sanctuary.

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