Red Shovelers
aka Argentine Shoveler
Anas platalea
A Red Shoveler
Photo courtesy of Clyde Robinson & Avian Empire
The only South American Shoveler, this species is especially abundant in Argentina. The southernmost populations winter in Brazil and Peru. Found mainly in lowland areas, they prefer shallow fresh and brackish lakes and lagoons.
They feed chiefly while swimming, but also are seen dabbling and up-ending. Their diet is mainly small animal life, altho' they also eat seeds.
The 6-8 creamy eggs hatch in 25 days.
Red Shoveler Links:
A pair of Red Shovelers, male on the left
Photos courtesy of Daniel Sörensen
Another drake
Photo courtesy of Daniel Sörensen
A Red Shoveler duckling
Photo courtesy of Clyde Robinson & Avian Empire
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