Common Shelduck

Tadorna tadorna

Genus · Typical Shelducks Family · Ducks, Geese, and Swans
Observation tips Difficulty: EASY
Best time
🕒 Any
Activity
☀️ Diurnal
Best months
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
Observation habitat
Muddy marginsShorelines

Look for them on coastal mudflats. Their bright white bodies and dark green heads are visible from a distance.

Common Shelduck

♂ Male · ♀ Female

Stats
Wingspan110–133 cm
Weight800–1500 g
Length55–67 cm
Lifespan wild5–18 yrs
Size
XS
S
M
L
XL
Nesting
Nest typeBurrow
Clutch size7–12 eggs
Incubation29–31 days
Breeding months
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
Regional Status (Europe)
LC
Least Concern (Europe)
IUCN Red List
MigrationPartial migratory
Social BehaviourFlocking

Diet: Omnivore

🦀Crustaceans
🦗Insects
🍃Plants
🐌Snails

Habitat

🛶 Lake wetlands🌊 Marine🌾 Marsh🏞️ River
✦ Fun Fact

Shelducks often nest several kilometers away from the nearest water. Once the eggs hatch, the parents must lead their ducklings on a perilous trek across the landscape to reach their feeding grounds.

About

A large duck that resembles a cross between a goose and a duck. It is a characteristic bird of European coasts and salt marshes. It has a bold pattern of white, dark green, and chestnut. It is known for massive autumn 'moulting gatherings' in the Wadden Sea.

Behaviour

Shelducks are specialized feeders on mudflats, using a 'scything' motion of the bill to catch tiny snails. They nest in underground burrows, typically in abandoned rabbit holes. Chicks are often grouped into large 'crèches' guarded by only one or two adults.

Sexual Dimorphism

♂ Male

Features a bright red bill with a large knob. He has a dark green head, white body, and a broad chestnut chest band.

♀ Female

Similar to the male but smaller. She has a duller bill without a knob and a white patch around the eye.

Similar species

Ruddy Shelduck
🐦
Ruddy Shelduck
Tadorna ferruginea
Egyptian Goose
🐦
Egyptian Goose
Alopochen aegyptiaca
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