Shoveler Vs Spoonbill: Key Differences Explained

These two species of bird are very different to each other and only really share one unique feature. Shovelers are members of the duck family whereas spoonbills are members of the Ibis family.

The only similarity between the two apart from them both having wings, is their large spoon-shaped bill. However, even their bill is different enough for you to never mistake one species for the other.

Keep reading to find out more about both of these fascinating birds.

Table of Contents

Key Takeaways

Shovelers are members of the duck family and resemble members of that family
Spoonbills are members of the Ibis family and look more like a heron
Spoonbills are tall wading birds
Shovelers are much smaller duck-type birds
Spoonbills have white feathers all over
Shovelers have green heads, white breasts and chestnut brown sides

What Is The Difference Between A Shoveler And A Spoonbill?

There are several differences that set these two bird species apart and in this section we’re going to run through each of these differences. Starting with the way each bird looks, before moving on to differences in their habitat, differences in their size and weight and much more.

Visual Differences

The Northern shoveler or shoveler duck as it is also known, is a medium sized duck which sits in water with its rear end slightly higher out of the water. This gives the impression that its large spoon-shaped bill is pulling the front half downwards.

Spoonbills are large, tall waterbirds and have long necks, long legs and a large spoon-shaped black bill with a yellow tip.

Male shovelers have dark green heads, white breasts and chestnut brown sides. Whereas spoonbills are white all over with black legs and a black spoon-shaped bill which is far longer than the bill of the shoveler. Spoonbills also have a yellow breast patch similar to that of a pelican.

Shoveler ducks are often seen floating in water whereas spoonbills wade through water on their long legs.

Differences In Habitat

Another major difference between the spoonbill and the shoveler duck is their preferred habitats.

Spoonbills prefer marshland and wetland habitats which can be freshwater, brackish water or salt water. They prefer the water to be no more than around 30 cm (12 inches) in height.

Spoonbills can be seen in the UK typically in salt marshes and can be found in Norfolk, Essex, Suffolk, Cumbria and Yorkshire.

Shoveler ducks prefer wetlands, marshland and flooded grasslands in areas around the south and east of England. Areas including the north Kent marshes, the Wash in Norfolk and Humberside. With smaller groups breeding in Scotland, Northern Ireland and the west of England.

In winter, around 40% of the European population of shoveler ducks come to the UK to overwinter. This boosts the shoveler population in a big way.

Nests & Eggs

As if the size and colouration of these two different bird species wasn’t enough to differentiate between the two, their nest building techniques and the colour of their eggs will definitely be sufficient.

Shoveler ducks make scrape nests on dry land close to fresh water. These nests are lined with plant material and soft, downy feathers. The nest is built by the female and once she’s satisfied with the nest, she will lay 8 to 12 eggs.

The eggs are around 52 x 37 mm in size, weigh around 40 g and are a buff or pale olive colour. The female will incubate the eggs alone with the male positioning himself in the water close to the nest on guard duty.

Spoonbills make more elaborate nests from materials foraged by the male which are assembled by the female. He will bring her twigs, sticks, reeds and grass stems which she will make into a nest.

These nests are either positioned on small islands slightly above the water level or in trees and bushes up to around 5 metres (16 feet) high. Once the female is satisfied with the shape, size and location of the nest, she will lay 3 to 5 eggs.

These eggs are around 65 x 45 mm in size and weigh around 76 g. They are an off white colour with reddish brown spots or freckles. Both parents take turns incubating the eggs.

Bird Calls

Their calls are another sure fire way to tell the difference between these birds. Male shoveler ducks make a clucking sound whereas the females have a loud quack. These sounds are distinctive and completely different to the call of the spoonbill.

Spoonbills are not typically very vociferous, but they do produce various sounds particularly during the breeding season. Their calls include low grunts and soft honking sounds.

Size & Weight

Apart from the striking differences in colour and markings, the size and weight of these two different species is as apparent as chalk and cheese.

Spoonbills are around 80 to 90 cm in length with a wingspan of somewhere between 120 to 135 cm. They weigh anywhere between 1.3 to 2 kg.

Whereas shoveler ducks are around half the length of spoonbills coming in at around 44 to 52 cm in length with a wingspan of around 70 to 84 cm. They weigh somewhere in the region of 400 to 1000 g.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main difference between shovelers and spoonbills?

One of the main differences between shovelers and spoonbills is the size and colour of these birds. Male shovelers have green heads, a white breast and brown sides whereas spoonbills have all white feathers. Shovelers are medium sized ducks whereas spoonbills are far larger wading birds.

What is the difference in the bird call of spoonbills and shoveler ducks?

Shoveler duck calls sound more like a cluck, with females making a more quack-like sound. Whereas spoonbills calls are more like a low grunt or soft honking sound.

Who has the larger wingspan;shovelers or spoonbills?

The bird that has the larger wingspan between the shoveler and the spoonbill is the spoonbill. The average wingspan of the spoonbill is around 120 to 135 cm, whereas the average wingspan of the shoveler is around 70 to 84 cm.