Story: Game birds

Wetland game birds: shoveler (3rd of 7)

Wetland game birds: shoveler

The shoveler duck, also known as the ‘spoonie’, feeds in wetland waters, sifting fine insect life through comb-like lamellae in the side of its spoon-shaped bill. The bird is only about half the size of the mallard. It flies rapidly and erratically, making it difficult for hunters to shoot.

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Natural Sciences Image Library of New Zealand
Reference: DSCF0112.jpg
Photograph by Peter E. Smith

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How to cite this page:

Neil Deans, 'Game birds - Game birds in New Zealand', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/16701/wetland-game-birds-shoveler (accessed 29 March 2024)

Story by Neil Deans, published 24 Nov 2008, reviewed & revised 29 Apr 2015