Australasian shoveler

The Australasian shoveler is a species of dabbling duck in the genus Spatula. It ranges from 46 to 53 cm. It lives in heavily vegetated swamps. In Australia it is protected under the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974. They occur in southwestern and southeastern Australia, Tasmania, and New Zealand. The male has a blue-grey head with a vertical white crescent in front of the eyes.

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Distribution

Region

Australasia (Australia and New Zealand)

Typical Environment

Occurs across southwestern and southeastern Australia, Tasmania, and throughout much of New Zealand. Prefers shallow, heavily vegetated freshwater and brackish wetlands, including swamps, lagoons, and slow-flowing river margins. Also uses farm dams, sewage ponds, and estuarine margins when available. Distribution is patchy and can shift with seasonal rainfall and wetland condition.

Altitude Range

Sea level to 1500 m

Climate Zone

Temperate

Characteristics

Size46–53 cm

Wing Span70–85 cm

Male Weight0.75 kg

Female Weight0.6 kg

Life Expectancy10 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 2/5

Useful to know

This dabbling duck has a distinctive broad, spoon-shaped bill lined with fine lamellae that sieve small prey and seeds from the water. Males show striking breeding plumage with a blue-grey head and a white facial crescent, then molt into a duller eclipse plumage that resembles the female. They are wary and often use dense wetland vegetation for cover. Movements can be nomadic, tracking rainfall and wetland availability.

Gallery

Behaviour

Temperament

wary and secretive

Flight Pattern

short rapid wingbeats with swift, direct flight

Social Behavior

Forms small to large flocks outside the breeding season, often mixing with other dabbling ducks. Pairs form in late winter to spring; nesting is on the ground in dense vegetation close to water. Clutches typically have 8–12 eggs, and the female incubates while the male often remains nearby. Broods feed in sheltered, vegetated shallows.

Migratory Pattern

Partial migrant

Song Description

The male gives a soft, wheezy whistle or whook note, especially during display. Females produce a harsher, quacking call used in contact and alarm. Wingbeats in flight can produce a noticeable whistling sound over flocks.

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Identification

Comb Type

Plumage Description

Feather Color

Leg Color

Earlobe Color

Eye Color

Feeding Habits

Diet

Preferred Environment

Requires Supplement

Population

Conservation Status

Species Status

Wild Population

Total Known Population

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