GAP Analysis Predicted Distribution Map

Northern Shoveler (Anas clypeata)

Species Code: ANCL

Legend:
= Core Habitat
= Marginal Habitat

Breeding Range Map
The green area shows the predicted habitats for breeding only. The habitats were identified using 1991 satellite imagery, Breeding Bird Atlas (BBA), other datasets and experts throughout the state, as part of the Washington Gap Analysis Project. Habitats used during non-breeding months and migratory rest-stops were not mapped.

Metadata (Data about data or how the map was made)

Click to enlarge distribution map

Map with Breeding Bird Atlas records

Other maps & Information:

Breeding Bird Atlas
NatureMapping observations
during breeding season
NatureMapping observations
throughout the year

The Northern Shoveler is common in east-side freshwater ponds and wetlands at low elevation. Most common in the central Columbia Basin, east to the channeled scablands, and north to Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge. Uncommon farther north in river valleys, uncommon breeder in the Okanogan and Methow valleys. Common in western Washington at low elevations of the Puget Trough. Shovelers need shallow areas for foraging.

In eastern Washington, steppe zones were core and the Ponderosa Pine zone was peripheral. In western Washington, the Puget Sound Douglas-fir and Woodland/Prairie Mosaic zones were core. In all zones, fresh water/wetlands were good habitat. In western Washington, where Northern Shovelers are often associated with small wetlands below our mapping resolution in open areas, low density development, agriculture, and clearings were also contingently suitable habitat.

Some curious inconsistencies exist in the distribution of the Northern Shoveler. Small numbers in the Methow and Okanogan valleys suggest a need for warmer areas on the east side, yet possible/probable breeding records exist from the southern Pend Oreille River valley and from the Twin Lakes (Ferry County-Colville Indian Reservation). These areas are higher and cooler than the Okanogan and Methow valleys. A possible explanation (and the one used for this model) is that at higher elevations, this species is utilizing marginal habitat and is therefore sparsely and locally distributed. Also, this species may prefer slightly alkaline waters which are more prevalent at lower elevations in eastern Washington. At higher elevations (in less alkaline water), this species may still be found, but in marginal habitat. Many west-side birds are summering non-breeders.

Translated from the Washington Gap Analysis Bird Volume by Uchenna Bright
Text edited by Gussie Litwer
Webpage designed by Dave Lester