I think I recall a monograph years ago about Shovelers. They have reduced brain capacity due to the extra thickness of the skull and cartilage needed to support that massive bill. They therefore tend to have poor memories.

They compensate for this, and concomitantly adapt to local feeding conditions, by mimicking other water birds. Shovelers who feed with mallards and pintails tend to tip-up, an efficient strategy. Shovelers who swim with phalaropes tend to spin. Shovelers who migrate with avocets poke their bills into deep mud. Shovelers who hang out with coots tend to charge blinds, scaring duck hunters into throwing down their guns and diving face first into the muck.

What I don't know is what happens to the shovelers who mimic loons.

If I find the article I will be sure to pass it on.

RT Cox
bored in winter snow
Gillette, WY
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