The Northern Shoveler (Spatula clypeata) is a medium-sized dabbling duck known for its distinctive spatula-shaped bill, which it uses to filter food from the water. This species has a wide distribution, breeding in North America, Europe, and Asia, and migrating to warmer regions, including the UAE, during the winter. Males are easily recognized by their striking plumage, featuring an iridescent green head, white chest, and rusty-red flanks. Females are more subdued, with mottled brown plumage, but they share the characteristic wide, flat bill.

Northern Shovelers primarily inhabit wetlands, shallow lakes, and marshes, where they feed on aquatic invertebrates, seeds, and plankton. They use their specialized bills to skim food from the water's surface or just below it, often seen swimming in small groups or pairs. Their calm demeanor and unique feeding behavior make them a fascinating sight in wetlands, particularly during migration or wintering seasons.