Northern Shoveler (Anas clypeata), also called Shoveller, is a very common winter visitor to wetlands of Haryana.
Local names: Tidari, Tokarwala, Punana Order:
ANSERIFORMES Family: Anatidae Wingspan:
9-10 inches Identification: Northern Shoveler is so
named for its distinct large spoon-shaped bill. The male Shoveler has greenish
feathers on the head and neck, the breast and belly are white, the back is black
and white, and the wings have a chestnut hue, with the inner wings being bluish.
The female's belly and breast are white, the body is a brownish color, and the
inner wings are bluish. Habits: Northern Shovelers prefer
shallow saltwater or freshwater wetlands like marshes, swamps, lakes, and
lagoons. As they are not not aggressive birds, they can get along with other
dabbling ducks, diving ducks, whistling ducks and Shelducks. Feeding: Food includes water insects,
snails and plankton. The bill of the Northern Shoveler has hair like lamellae
that filter the water and capture the small plankton.