Red Shoveler

Spatula platalea

RANGE Southern half of South America

HABITAT Shallow lakes and pools with dense reed beds, marshes and lagoons

DIET Herbs, grasses, pond weeds, wigeon grass, eelgrass, and algae

Red shovelers are usually found in pairs or small groups. These ducks sift the surface of the water filtering out small animals and plants through their bill. Males are called drakes, females are hens, and young are ducklings.

They build their nest on the ground, and 5 to 8 eggs are laid.