SHOVELLER. 



ANAS CLYPEATA, Linn. 



Anas clypeata, Linn. S. N. i. p. 200 (1766) ; Naum. xi. p. 747; 



Hewitson, ii. p. 400. 

 Spatula clypeata, Ymr. ed. 4, iv. p. 375 ; Dresser, vi. p. 497. 



Souchet, French ; Loffel-Ente, German ; Pato sardinero, 

 Cuchareta, Spanish. 



This bird, which is best known as an autumnal visitor 

 to this country, has now been discovered to breed 

 annually in many counties of England, as well as in 

 Scotland and Ireland ; and I am glad to believe, on 

 excellent authority, that its numbers as a breeding 

 species are gradually on the increase in the few remain- 

 ing districts suitable to its habits. In the matters of 

 flight, food, and general customs the Shoveller much 

 resembles the Mallard, but the pairing-note of the male 

 is very distinguishable from that of the commoner bird. 

 Opinion is much divided as to the merits of this bird 

 from a culinary point of view — in my opinion it is most 

 excellent food. 



