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Alice Springs Waste Stabilisation Ponds

The Australasian Shoveler (Spatula rhynchotis) is a species of dabbling duck, that floats low in the water and has a large “shovel-like” bill. Ranging in size from 46 to 53 cm, it is usually found in heavily vegetate swamp-like areas in Austrlaia, including large inland wetlands and sewage ponds

They feed on the surface of the water with their head submerged. Usually found in large inland wetlands and sewage ponds.

The male of the species are more brightly colored and have yellow eyes, whilst the female are plainer brown with darker eyes.

Australasian Shoveler (Spatula rhynchotis), Alice Springs Sewage Ponds © Dorothy Latimer
Australasian Shoveler (Spatula rhynchotis), Alice Springs Sewage Ponds © Dorothy Latimer
Australasian Shoveler (Spatula rhynchotis), Alice Springs Sewage Ponds © Dorothy Latimer
Australasian Shoveler (Spatula rhynchotis), Alice Springs Sewage Ponds © Dorothy Latimer
Australasian Shoveler (Spatula rhynchotis), Alice Springs Sewage Ponds © Dorothy Latimer
Australasian Shoveler (Spatula rhynchotis), Alice Springs Sewage Ponds © Dorothy Latimer
Australasian Shoveler (Spatula rhynchotis), Alice Springs Sewage Ponds © Dorothy Latimer
Australasian Shoveler (Spatula rhynchotis), Alice Springs Sewage Ponds © Dorothy Latimer

The photographs presented here were taken in the month of January and October.


  • Scientific classification
  • Kingdom: Animalia
  • Phylum: Chordata
  • Subphylum: Vertebrata
  • Informal: Gnathostomata
  • Class: Aves
  • Order: Anseriformes
  • Family: Anatidae
  • Subfamily: Anatinae
  • Genus: Spatula
  • Species: Spatula rhynchotis
Australasian Shoveler (Spatula rhynchotis), Alice Springs Sewage Ponds, NT © Dorothy Latimer
Australasian Shoveler (Spatula rhynchotis), Alice Springs Sewage Ponds, NT © Dorothy Latimer

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