The Australasian shoveler (Spatula rhynchotis) name refers to its large, unique, spoon-shaped bill, which it uses to filter-feed and shovel through mud for food. Its scientific name, Spatula rhynchotis, similarly translates to "spoon beak". A dabbling duck, it is native to Australia, Tasmania, and New Zealand, where it is also known by its Māori name, kuruwhengi. Males feature a distinct blue-grey head with a vertical white crescent near the eyes and bright yellow irises, while females have a camouflaged dappled brown plumage.
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