Northern shoveller

Introduction: Northern shovellers (Anas clypeata) arrive in Namibia from late October and depart again around February and March. They prefer habitats of shallow, muddy-bottomed and fresh waters in open grassland. Sightings of only 3 northern shovellers together have been recorded in the country.

Distribution: Etosha and Kavango Region only.

Diet: Forages for invertebrates in shallow waters.

Description: So called (clypeata), perhaps because of the broad chestnut panel on the belly and breast of the male.

Breeding: Mate outside of the region.

Size: 44 to 52cm.

Weight: 465g.