description Red Shoveler Overview
The Red Shoveler (Spatula platalea) is a dabbling duck native to the southern half of South America, including Argentina, Chile, and the Falkland Islands. It is easily recognized by the male's bright reddish plumage and the prominent, spatula-shaped bill shared by both sexes. Inhabiting shallow lakes and brackish coastal marshes, the bird uses its specialized bill to filter aquatic invertebrates and seeds from the water. Females exhibit a more subdued brownish-gray plumage, which helps camouflage them during nesting.
help Red Shoveler FAQ
Where is the Red Shoveler native?
The Red Shoveler, whose scientific name is Spatula platalea, is native to the southern half of South America. Its range includes Argentina, Chile, and the Falkland Islands.
How can you identify a male Red Shoveler?
The male has bright reddish plumage. Both males and females have the species' broad, spatula-shaped bill.
Why is the Red Shoveler called a shoveler?
The name refers to its prominent spatula-shaped bill. That bill is shared by both sexes and is the bird's most obvious identifying feature.
What kind of bird is Spatula platalea?
It is a dabbling duck. The species is commonly called the Red Shoveler and occurs across parts of southern South America.
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