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The Koloa Moha
will defecate on or around the eggs in
the nest to deter predators.
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Description These ducks are characterized by their large spoon-shaped bills. The male has a black bill, yellow
eyes, a green head, and the lower neck, breast, and tail is white.
The female has brown eyes, an orange bill with patches, dull green
speculum, and a brown and buff head. They grow from 17-20 inches long.
Lifecycle The males have a colorful breeding color and exhibit elaborate courtship that includes calls, turns, dips and wing flaps. The female lays about 8-12 green and buff colored
eggs in a nest made of grass, leaves, and feathers.
It is on the ground and usually surrounded by vegetation on three sides.
Habitat The Northern
Shovler often flocks in very large numbers in relatively small areas.
The increased density will eventually cause food shortages that may
affect the behavior of foragers. This will cause them to select a
different habitat. Food abundance is very important for winter survival.
They live in marshes and small ponds, edges of lakes and sloughs.
In winter, they migrate to the southern half of the
United States.
Diet The Northern Shoveler uses it spoon-shaped bill that has comblike projections along the edges to strain food from the water. It will swim along the water with its bill lowered to strain out small swimming invertebrates and aquatic seeds. |
