Birda Logo
Features
Birda+
About
Species Guide
Challenges
Shop
loading...
A photo of a Radjah Shelduck (Radjah radjah)
Radjah Shelduck

Radjah Shelduck

Radjah radjah

The Radjah Shelduck, also known as the Raja Shelduck, Black-backed Shelduck, or Burdekin Duck in Australia, is a striking species of waterfowl. Both sexes exhibit a predominantly white plumage contrasted with dark wing-tips and a unique collar of dark feathers. When in flight or with wings extended, a green speculum becomes visible, adding to their distinctive appearance.

Identification Tips

To identify the Radjah Shelduck, look for the white body with dark wingtips and collar. The green bands on the wings are a key feature, particularly noticeable in flight. The species exhibits sexual dimorphism in vocalizations rather than in plumage.

Habitat

These shelducks favor the saline environments of mangrove flats and paperbark tree swamps. They are also found in a variety of wetlands including brackish and freshwater swamps, lagoons, lakes, estuaries, river deltas, and billabongs, especially during the wet season.

Distribution

The Radjah Shelduck is native to the mangrove forests and coastlines of New Guinea and Australia, with some populations in the Moluccas of eastern Indonesia. In Australia, they are predominantly found in the tropical northern regions, extending through Queensland, the Northern Territory, and as far as the Kimberley in Western Australia.

Behaviour

These birds are typically seen in pairs or small flocks, forming long-term bonds. The males can become quite aggressive towards their mates during the rainy season. They are protected across Australian states, with penalties for harm or disturbance.

Song & Calls

The female Radjah Shelduck produces a harsh rattle, while the male emits a breathy whistle reminiscent of a sore throat.

Breeding

Pairs begin to seek nesting sites in January and February, often in hollow tree limbs near food sources. They do not use nesting materials other than their own down feathers. Egg-laying concludes by May or June, with clutch sizes ranging from 6 to 12 eggs and an incubation period of about 30 days.

Diet and Feeding

Their diet mainly consists of mollusks, insects, worms, aquatic vegetation, sedge, and algae. They forage close to their nesting sites, making habitat preservation crucial.

Conservation Status

The Radjah Shelduck is currently listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, indicating a stable population without immediate threats to its survival.

App logo
Birda is a birdwatching app and community aimed at curious people who want to deepen their connection with nature.

Radjah Shelducks on Birda

Photos
Sightings

More Ducks, Geese, Swans

A photo of a Mandarin Duck (Aix galericulata) , male

Mandarin Duck

Aix galericulata
Birda Logo

Your birdwatching journey like never before

Connect with nature in minutes
Take a walk, look out of the window and log the birds that you see. Feel good about those little connections to nature.
Discover the joy of birding
Find new birding spots, see more birds, share and celebrate with a like-minded community of nature lovers.
Play your part in saving nature
Logging your birding sightings and sessions turns into positive action for our planet. Every sighting counts.

Birda Blog

What Our Birders Say
Nick S
Work together with community
Been loving using this app to log my bird sightings and work together with community members to identify different birds. I've already learned a lot since I started about a month ago!
Robred 2
Fun way to add to your birdwatching experience
I enjoy watching birds in my backyard, but this app helped me really pay attention while on vacation this summer. It was fun to add new birds to my bird watching app.
Carrie
Makes you want to spot birds more
I think this app is fun. It makes you want to spot birds more so I guess in a way it encourages you to get out and about instead of sitting in front of the TV.
Mike T
Sense of Community
A great app, which is continually being improved. What really comes through is the passion of those behind the app. The sense of community is brilliant, so much help and support provided to new and/or in experienced birders.
Leonie
We've been waiting for an App like this
Excellent! We've been waiting for an app like this! Thank you! It would be nice if you could assign additional birds to sessions later!
Sacha0508
Simply fantastic
I love this app, it puts so much fun into recording the birds I’ve seen and heard while I’m out and about. The interface is user-friendly and suitable for all ages. It’s great to collect badges and to review my β€œlists”.
Nicole
Gets me outdoors more
I'm still loving this app. I use it most days & gets me outdoors more. Enjoying watching others progress and photo's, it's improved my wellbeing.... I love this app! I can keep a record of sightings and see what others have seen too.
778
Great bird recording
For a while I’ve been trying to find an app to easily record bird lists and day out and struggled to find one that I like. Birda is great for this, straightforward and a great community!
Patricia L
Very encouraging birding app
Easy to use, fun to see progress and encouraging to receive feedback from other users.
Tralisalandhoop
Fantastic app - Love it!
Love this app and have used it almost daily. Lots of species information and easy to use. Love seeing birds spotted by other users in the UK and worldwide.
As featured in
Birda Logo
AboutPressAmbassadorsAffiliatesInfluencersCareersPrivacyTerms & Conditions
An app for birdwatchers
Connect with us
Copyright Β© 2024 Chirp Birding. All rights reserved.