Skip to content
Animals Top
Home>Animals>Birds>Waterfowl
Animal Profile IUCN: LC

Red Shoveler

Red Shoveler,Spatula platalea

The Red Shoveler (Spatula platalea) is a medium-sized swimming bird belonging to the family Anatidae.The red Spoonbill duck has special bill shape and bright feather color, which has ornamental value. It is found in open lakes, rivers, coastal lagoons, ponds, mangroves and swamps. In shallow water,

Waterfowl 679 views
Scientific Name Red Shoveler,Spatula platalea
Length 45-56cm
Weight 523-608g
Lifespan No textual research information is available
IUCN Status LC
Advertisement

Table of Contents

    The Red Shoveler (Spatula platalea) is a medium-sized swimming bird belonging to the family Anatidae.

    00 ed24bf190494473c29ac3db627d290_ nine ray image converter. JPG

    The red Spoonbill duck has special bill shape and bright feather color, which has ornamental value. It is found in open lakes, rivers, coastal lagoons, ponds, mangroves and swamps. In shallow water, they dig through the mud with their spoon shaped mouths to get crustaceans, fish eggs, frogs, small fish and other food, and sometimes dig plants in the mud for food. It mainly feeds on roots, grass seeds, leaves, grass fruits, rice, etc. in marshes and lake areas, and also eats invertebrates and arthropods.

    faa925228455e8d44f595dfa2528c203_ nine ray image converter. JPG

    Red Spoonbill ducks nest in reeds and swampy areas on grass. The breeding period is from 5 to July, each clutch lays 7-8 eggs, and the eggs are light yellow or light gray-green. The incubation period takes 25-26 days to complete. Male ducks spend a large part of their time and activity defending the nest and the field, and the ducklings can fly after 40-45 days.

    Listed in the International Red Book of Birds of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), 2009 list ver 3.1.


    Protect wild animals and eliminate wild meat.

    Maintaining ecological balance is everyone's responsibility!



    Tags

    At a glance

    Profile Details

    Key characteristics, appearance, and habitat information.

    Traits & Behavior

    The most notable feature is a very large beak

    Appearance

    The red Spoonbill is 45-56cm long and weighs 523-608g. The main plumage of the male duck is cinnamon, the head, neck, chest, and wings are common grayish-brown, with white circles around the eyes, and no distinctive wing mirrors. The female duck has an average grey appearance and dark brown eyes. The duck's most notable feature is a very large beak.

    Distribution & Habitat

    Located in South America, including Colombia, Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Paraguay, Brazil, Chile, Argentina, Uruguay, and the Malvinas Islands (also known as the Falkland Islands)
    Advertisement

    Visual guide

    Browse available images of this species.

    Quick answers

    Red Shoveler FAQs