87 
its bill is longer and more slender in proportion than in that species. These characteristics 
are not infallible and often it can only be identified by an accompanying mate. The 
common rust staining of the Blue or even the Green-winged Teal has often been the basis 
of records of this species. 
Field Marks. Small size, general redness of body, white underwing surface like a 
Mallard, and chalky blue wing patches for the male. The female can hardly be distin- 
guished in life from the female Blue-winged Teal. 
Distribution. The west coast of southern British Columbia southward, and adjoining 
interior. There are a few substantiated records from Alberta and Saskatchewan where it 
should be looked for with care but identified with caution. 
Nesting. Nest of grasses, on the ground. In some cases at considerable distance 
from water. 
142. Shoveller, spoonbill. Spatula dypeata. L, 20. Plate VIII A. A good- 
sized Duck with a widened, spoon-shaped or shovel-shaped bill (Figure 122). 
Distinctions. The Shoveller bill, remarkably spatulate 
at end with fringe of long, comb-like laminae on sides of 
upper mandible, is characteristic in any plumage. The 
contrasting coloration of the adult male is striking. The 
female is much like the female Mallard, but smaller, without 
any speculum or marked wing pattern, but always with at 
least a suggestion of pale blue on the wings. 
Field Marks. The striking coloration of the adult male 
is distinctive. The female is rather like the female Mallard, 
but without the strongly marked blue speculum. In any 
plumage and at considerable distance the slightly bulbous 
appearance of the bill is distinctly recognizable. 
Nesting. On the ground, in the grass, but not always 
in the immediate vicinity of water. 
Distribution. Common to both Old and New Worlds. 
Occurs in America across the continent, north to mouth of 
Mackenzie river. Breeds throughout western Canada. 
“The Shoveller or Spoonbill is a lover of the mud, and consequently 
the shallow, muddy prairie sloughs are its favourite habitat. Like the 
Pintail it is a bird of the prairies. In flight when the turned-down bill 
cannot be noted it much resembles the Mallard, and many a sportsman 
has presumably shot a Mallard and picked up a Spoonbill. There is some 
prejudice among western sportsmen against the bird, owing to its small 
size and to the slight inferiority of the flesh when compared with that of 
several other species. This Duck is a late arrival in spring and migrates 
in September, and perhaps is seldom taken at its best in the north. The 
Shoveller, like the Pintail, sometimes joins the Mallards in their flights to 
the fields, but never alights with them to feed on dry land.” 
143. Pintail (Including American Pintail), springtail. sprig. Dafila acuta. 
L, 28. Plate VIII B. A large sized Duck, of striking coloration, with long, slender neck 
and long projecting centre tail feathers. 
Distinctions. High plumage males are unmistakable. Females and juvenile males are 
like the female Mallard in general coloration, but without the prominent white bordered 
speculum. Instead, the speculum is dull bronze, bordered in front by a narrow cinnamon 
line and behind by a narrow one of white. 
Field Marks. In any plumage, even when without the long “spring tail” or “sprig- 
tail,” the long neck and wings and general slenderness of this bird are recognizable in any 
attitude and, besides the striking colour pattern of the male or the absence of strong 
speculum of female, make the best recognition mark of the species. 
Nesting. On the ground, in some cases at considerable distance from water. 
Distribution. Of the northern hemispheres of both continents. In America north to 
Arctic coast. Nesting in Canada practically wherever found. 
This is one of the widest ranging and most generally common of the 
Ducks. 
