The northern shoveler (Spatula clypeata) is a rare duck species found in North America. They are considered one of the less common duck species, though not endangered. Understanding the rarity and population trends of northern shovelers requires looking at their conservation status, population numbers, range, habitat, and threats.
Conservation Status
The northern shoveler has a conservation status of “Least Concern” according to the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. This means the species is not currently vulnerable to extinction. Their populations are stable and they have a relatively widespread distribution across North America.
The shoveler is protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. This law prohibits hunting, killing, trading, and possessing migratory birds without permission. However, the shoveler can still legally be hunted during designated hunting seasons when permits are obtained.
Population Numbers
The northern shoveler has an extremely large population size estimated to be over 4.7 million individuals. Breeding populations in North America are estimated at:
- 2.5 million in the Central Flyway
- 950,000 in the Pacific Flyway
- 880,000 in the Mississippi Flyway
- 420,000 in the Atlantic Flyway
Population trends have been relatively stable over the past 50 years according to the North American Breeding Bird Survey. There was a small but significant population increase from 1966 to 2015 of 0.25% per year. The shoveler population saw declines from 1966-1979, but rebounded and increased from 1980-2015.
Range
Northern shovelers breed across much of North America. Their breeding range extends from Alaska and Canada southwards to the central United States and northern Mexico. See the map below for details on their breeding and wintering grounds:
| Season | Range |
|---|---|
| Breeding (summer) | Alaska, Canada, northern U.S., northern Mexico |
| Migration | Throughout U.S. and Mexico |
| Wintering (non-breeding) | Southern U.S., Mexico, Central America, Caribbean islands |
As the map shows, the shoveler migrates from its breeding grounds in the north to wintering grounds in the southern U.S., Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean. Its widespread range and large population help make this species abundant.
Habitat
Northern shovelers inhabit shallow wetlands across North America during breeding and migration. They nest in prairie potholes, marshy lakes, wet meadows, and along slow moving streams. During migration and winter, they frequent coastal marshes, estuaries, flooded agricultural fields, sewage ponds, and lakes.
Ideal shoveler habitat has shallow, calm waters with abundant aquatic vegetation and good nesting cover like reeds and grassy vegetation. They prefer shallow freshwater wetlands but can sometimes be found in brackish or saltwater habitats.
Threats
Although still common, northern shovelers face some threats to their populations:
- Habitat loss from wetland drainage, erosion, urban development, and water diversion
- Disturbance and nest flooding from agricultural practices
- Pollution from pesticides, fertilizers, oil spills, and other chemicals
- Overhunting in some regions
- Drought and climate change effects on wetland breeding habitat
The shoveler’s reliance on shallow wetland ecosystems makes it vulnerable as these habitats decline. Climate change could exacerbate habitat loss through increased droughts and water scarcity in some areas of its range.
Rarity Relative to Other Duck Species
Compared to other duck species, the northern shoveler is considered common. It has a large, widespread population and is not near threatened according to conservation standards. Here is how the shoveler compares in terms of rarity to some other North American duck species:
| Species | Population Size | Population Trend | Conservation Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mallard | ~10 million | Stable | Least concern |
| Northern Pintail | ~3.2 million | Decreasing | Least concern |
| Green-winged Teal | ~3.5 million | Stable | Least concern |
| Northern Shoveler | ~4.7 million | Increasing | Least concern |
| Canvasback | ~700,000 | Decreasing | Least concern |
| Redhead | ~1.2 million | Increasing | Least concern |
| Blue-winged Teal | ~7.9 million | Stable | Least concern |
| Cinnamon Teal | ~270,000 | Stable | Least concern |
| American Black Duck | ~540,000 | Decreasing | Least concern |
As the table shows, the northern shoveler is one of the more abundant duck species with a large population over 4.7 million. It is not near the rarity level of ducks like the canvasback which number around 700,000. The shoveler’s increasing population also makes it less rare than decreasing species like the pintail and American black duck.
Key Takeaways on Northern Shoveler Rarity
- The northern shoveler has a conservation status of “Least Concern” and populations are stable or increasing.
- Global population is estimated at over 4.7 million birds.
- It has a widespread breeding and wintering distribution across North America.
- The species relies on shallow wetland habitats which face some threats from habitat loss and degradation.
- Relative to other duck species, the northern shoveler is common and not rare.
In summary, the northern shoveler is one of the more abundant duck species found in North America. Its large population size, increasing population trend, and widespread range make it not rare compared to other ducks. However, continued wetland conservation efforts are still needed to protect essential shoveler habitats across North America.
Conclusion
The northern shoveler is considered a common and relatively abundant duck species in North America. With a population numbering in the millions and a widespread range, the shoveler is not currently rare or threatened. However, habitat loss of wetlands could put populations under pressure in the future. Monitoring breeding populations, protecting key wetland habitats, and managing duck hunting levels will help ensure northern shovelers remain common across their range.
