Studies of gut contents do not adequately sample microscopic foods of shovelers, and thus are misleading, but breeders probably depend heavily on zooplankton. Usually feeds by immersing part or all of head, but occasionally tips up, and rarely filters bottom sediments or mud. Usually does not feed on land. Often feeds cooperatively in groups. Flightless, molting adults use lacustrine waters bordered by emergent wetlands.
Broods hide in emergent vegetation, especially when young.
Very few breed in California. Although drawn mostly from studies in other areas, the information below probably is applicable to California breeders. Usually nests on dry site near water, in low grass, often providing little concealment for nest. Also uses taller grasses, hayfields, meadows, and marshes of bulrushes, and saltgrass. No additional data found.