78o 



HE Sn()\HLLER. 



ONE glance at the Wmg. broadly spatulale bill <if the "vSpuuubill," or 

 Shoveller, is quite sufficient to establish the bird's identity in the mind of any 

 one who has ever even heard one of its names. This huge bill not only gives 

 its owner a top-heavy appearance, l)ut gives the impression of a larger bird 

 than the measurements warrant. The bird is rather less of a vegetarian than 

 most of its kind. It eschews gr;iiii, and is not so partial to water-cresses and 

 succulent browse as are Mallards and Widgeon. The roots of a(juatic plants 



Taken in Spokane County. 



Telephoto by IV. H. IVriglit. 



FEMALE SHOVELLER. 



are eaten, but insects, tadpoles, snails, and small fish are a preferred diet. Much 

 of the bird's f(^()d is seciu'ed in the shallow water or mud, which is scooped up 

 lil)er;dl\- and sifted thru the lamelhe of the beak until nnh- edible portions are 

 retained. In spite of this diet the Sho\'eller's flesh is seldom or never "fishy," 

 and so far as flavor is concerned it makes a welcome addition to the table. 



For some unknown reason Sho\'ellers seldom become \er\' fat, as do most 

 other duck's : and thev ai"e not on this account \-cry much sought after l)\- sports- 



