Cape Shoveler

This 51–53 cm long duck is non-migratory, but undertakes some local seasonal movements. It is gregarious when not breeding, and may then form large flocks.

The Cape Shoveler is classified as Least Concern. Does not qualify for a more at risk category. Widespread and abundant taxa are included in this category.

The Cape Shoveler Anas smithii formerly known as Cape Shoveller is a species of dabbling duck of the genus Anas. It is resident in South Africa, and uncommon further north in Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, southern Angola, Lesotho, Mozambique, and Zambia. This 51–53 cm long duck is non-migratory, but undertakes some local seasonal movements. It is gregarious when not breeding, and may then form large flocks. This species has a large spatulate bill. Adults have speckled grey-brown plumage and dull orange legs. More

Distribution of Cape shoveler in southern Africa, based on statistical smoothing of the records from first SA Bird Atlas Project (© Animal Demography unit, University of Cape Town; smoothing by Birgit Erni and Francesca Little). Colours range from dark blue (most common) through to yellow (least common). See here for the latest distribution from the SABAP2. Movements Its movements are quite erratic, and not well understood. More

For the purposes of our bird news services, Cape Shoveler is classed as ungraded: species which are unlikely to appear as wild birds in Britain or Ireland (Note that rarity levels are currently applied nationally and may not reflect local variations in abundance. More

Cape Shoveler by Etienne Marais Photographer: Etienne Marais Location: South Africa Date Taken: 06/Aug/2007 Upload On: 06/Aug/2007 Rating: ****** Cape Shoveler is found in the following countries: 1. Angola 2. Botswana 3. Lesotho 4. Morocco 5. More

The Cape Shoveler is not thus threatened, in fact it seems to have even benefited from human interference. The only known potential threats to this species are the reduction of suitable ephemeral wetland habitats, and hybridisation with invasive Mallard Anas platyrhynchos. The species is also susceptible to avian botulism, so may be threatened by future outbreaks of the disease. More

Cape Shovelers can be found in the Southern part of Africa. Their food consists of seeds, plant matter as well as insects. The female will lay her eggs in dense vegetation. Click here to order. R 400.00 S.A. Yellow Billed (Anas undulata undulata) Their rich yellow bills with a black marking on top-mandible are distinguishing. More

Cape Shoveler is a large brown duck with very large, flattened dark bill. Adult male has dark brown upperparts and underparts, with a mottled effect given by pale edges’ feathers. It has greenish-black rump and upper tail feathers. Tail is dark brown. Tertials and scapulars are glossy bluish-black. Upperwing coverts are greyish-blue, with broad white tips on great coverts. Primaries are dark brown. Secondaries are metallic blue-green. More

The male Cape Shoveler defends his mate.The Cape Shoveler is a firm favourite amongst duckery staff. We have dreams of them swirling between the legs of Flamingos in the midst of the African pen. As we have only 9 individuals however, a lot of breeding must happen before our dreams can be realised. One pretty pair have made a stunning effort so early in the season, and have made a sweet nest with 4 little eggs. More