SHOVELLER.
A N A S CLYPEATA, Linn.
Anas clypeata, Linn. S. N. i. p. 200 (1766); Naum. xi. p. 747;
Hewitson, ii. p. 400.
Spatula clypeata, Yarr. 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 remaining
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.
S H O V E L L E R .
Anas clypeata, Linn.
