Northern Shoveler - (Anas clypeata)

At a distance, you may think you have spotted a Mallard Duck's iridescent green head -- until you notice the unusual bill-shape that gives this bird its name. Shovelers also have dark bills in comparison to the yellowish bill of the Mallard Duck. Very common during the cooler months at the Salton Sea and Imperial Valley ponds, lakes, and canals.

If you are interested in learning more about this bird online - I recommend you start with the Patuxent Bird Identification InfoCenter, Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, Laurel, MD. http://www.mbr-pwrc.usgs.gov/Infocenter/infocenter.html

They present photographs, songs, identification tips, maps, and life history information for North American birds - including the Northern Shoveler

OTHER OUTSIDE LINKS FOR THIS BIRD:

The Northern Shoveler Duck - Species profile by the "Honolulu Zoo" Web site.

Male & Female - Characteristics profile with photo displayed by the University of Texas El Paso's "BIONET" Web site.