The white belly and forewing are very showy in the air. Drakes whistle; hens have a loud kaow and a lower qua-awk.

Typical Flock Pattern


Shoveler

Length—19½"
Weight—1½ lbs.

Eclipse Drake

Hen

Shovelers, 'spoonbills' to many, are early migrants, moving out at the first frost. The largest numbers are in the Central and Pacific flyways.