Australasian Shoveler in its natural habitat
Common rarity

Australasian Shoveler

Spatula rhynchotis

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StatusNative
RarityCommon
Height50 cm
Weight700 g
Image of Australasian Shoveler
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Did You Know?

3 Facts
1

"Australasian shovelers have about 110 tiny projections on each side of their bill for super-efficient filter feeding!"

Field Guide

Australasian Shoveler

5 sections

The Australasian shoveler, or kuruwhengi in Māori, is a distinctive native duck found throughout New Zealand. About the size of a small mallard, this unique bird stands out with its oversized, spoon-shaped bill. Its elegant appearance and specialized feeding habits make it a fascinating subject for birdwatchers in wetlands across the country.

Distribution Map

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Diet

Insects
Insects
Seeds
Seeds
Molluscs
Molluscs
Crustaceans
Crustaceans
AquaticPlants_Algae
AquaticPlants Algae
Fish_AquaticPrey
Fish AquaticPrey

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