not a rock (biological/ornithological)

Northern Shoveler Duck (Note: This is a biological specimen, not a rock)

Spatula clypeata

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness: N/A; Color: Iridescent green head (male), white chest, rusty-brown flanks, large black shovel-shaped bill; Luster: Feathery/glossy; Structure: Vertebrate/Aves; Cleavage: N/A; Specific Gravity: Slightly less than water (buoyant)

Hardness: N/A
Luster: Feathery/glossy

Identified March 22, 2026More not a rock (biological/ornithological) →

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At a glance

Common name: Northern Shoveler Duck (Note: This is a biological specimen, not a rock)
Scientific name: Spatula clypeata
Category: not a rock (biological/ornithological)
Identified: March 22, 2026
Method: Standard

AI Estimated Value

$0 (Wildlife is protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and cannot be legally bought or sold as live specimens/parts without specific permits)

Not an official valuation

AI estimate for general interest only — not an appraisal. Actual value depends on condition, provenance, and market demand. Verify with a professional before buying, selling, or insuring.

This identification was generated by AI and may contain errors. Verify important details before relying on them — and never use an AI result to judge whether a specimen is safe to handle. Read the full disclaimer

Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Biological reproduction; widespread throughout the Northern Hemisphere across North America and Eurasia. They inhabit shallow wetlands, marshes, and lagoons.

Uses & applications

Ecological role in seed dispersal and insect control; valued in birdwatching and wildlife photography; historical source of food and feathers.

Geological facts

Their large, shovel-shaped bill contains roughly 110 fine lamellae (comb-like structures) used to filter tiny crustaceans and seeds from the water. They are known to swim in circles to create miniature whirlpools that bring food to the surface.

Field identification & locations

Identify by the oversized, spatulate bill and distinctive color blocks in males. Commonly found in freshwater wetlands. Collectors (birdwatchers) look for them during migratory seasons in shallow muddy waters.