Shovelers,
'spoonbills' to many, are early migrants, moving out
at the first frost. The largest numbers are in the
Central and Pacific flyways. The usual flight is steady
and direct. When startled, the small flocks twist
and turn in the air like teal.
They
are not highly regarded as table birds, because one
third of the usual diet is animal matter. Drakes call
woh-woh and took-took; the hen's quack is feeble.
