Australasian Shoveler
Anas rhynchotis
Details | |
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Type | Bird |
Group | |
Other Common Names | Spoonbill Duck, Shoveler, Blue-winged Shoveler |
Biology | Breeding season: August to December on the coast, year round in arid zones, with rainfall. Clutch size is 9-11. It breeds at any time throughout the year in arid areas, synchronised with flood waters. Nests are built on the groud in dense vegetation. Females incubate the eggs and brood the young. |
Distinctive Markings | Breeding plumage is similar to the Chestnut Teal, though this is a small bird with a green head, not blue. When feeding with their head under the water, their orange legs are distinctive. |
Taxonomy | |
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Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Anseriformes |
Family | Anatidae |
Genus | Anas |
Species | rhynchotis |
Changes to the natural flow and floods of rivers may interrupt breeding of the Australasian Shoveler.
Interesting Facts | |
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Diet | Carnivore. Feeds on insects and crustaceans. It is a filter-feeder using special lamellae (grooves) along the edges of the bill to filter food. |
Habitat | Found in all kinds of wetlands, preferring large undisturbed heavily vegetated freshwater swamps. |
Native Status | Native to Australia |