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Anas platalea

Anas platalea

The Anas platalea, also known as the spoon-billed sandpiper, is a unique bird with a special spoon-shaped bill. They love to wade in shallow waters and look for tasty bugs and small fish to eat.

Habitat: Wetlands

Appearance

The Anas platalea has a remarkably large, spoon-shaped bill perfect for straining water. Males boast an iridescent green head, white breast, and rusty flanks, making them distinct. Females are mottled brown, helping them blend into their surroundings.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderAnseriformesFamilyAnatidaeGenusSpatula
Anas platalea
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Anas platalea

Category

Birds

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

Be the first to snap!

Interesting facts

Male shovelers look like they have a bright green helmet on their head!

Sometimes, a group of shovelers will filter feed together in a spinning 'carrousel!'

They often swim in circles to stir up tiny food from the bottom for easier eating.

Unlike other ducks, their long bill has special comb-like plates to sift out food!

Special abilities

Ability

Filter Feeding Bill

Anas platalea has a large, flattened bill that helps them strain tiny plants and animals from the water.

Ability

Dabbling Skill

Anas platalea can feed by 'dabbling,' tipping their body forward to reach food without fully submerging.

Ability

Strong Flight

Anas platalea can fly long distances because of their strong wings, which helps them migrate.

Measurements & details

Length
44-52 cm
Wingspan
70-84 cm
Weight
0.4-1.1 kg
Lifespan
10-15 years
Top Speed
70 km/h
Clutch Size
8-12
Incubation
22-28 days
Migration Distance
3000 km

Diet & Feeding

They strain tiny plants, animals, and seeds from the water with their unique bill.

Primary Foods

  • Zooplankton
  • Aquatic insects
  • Small crustaceans
  • Algae
  • Plant seeds

Foraging Method

  • Filter Feeding

Ecological connections

eaten by

Bald Eagle

Haliaeetus leucocephalus

prey for large raptors

eats

Common Water Flea

Daphnia pulex

a primary food source of zooplankton

eats

Midge larva

Chironomus plumosus

larval insects filtered from mud

depends on

Common Cattail

Typha latifolia

uses dense cattails for nesting cover

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Always watch birds from a distance and do not try to touch or chase them.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is Anas platalea?

44-52 cm

What is Anas platalea's wingspan?

70-84 cm

How much does Anas platalea weigh?

0.4-1.1 kg

How long does Anas platalea live?

10-15 years

How fast can Anas platalea move?

70 km/h

What does Anas platalea eat?

They strain tiny plants, animals, and seeds from the water with their unique bill.

Where is Anas platalea usually found?

Wetlands

How does Anas platalea hunt?

Filter Feeding

Snap Map

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Recent Snaps

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Where to spot

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