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
Pdydhdrexgi
Fantastic App
This is a really lovely app, for everyone interested in birds - from newbies to old hands. There is a very friendly feel to the community and you will genuinely learn a lot as you record your sightings and photos. There are lots of badges and competitions to keep you engaged, and a host of really useful features.
Carl B
Helped me to identify more birds
Love this app and has helped me to identify more birds. The challenges and badges are great for keeping the motivation going to get out and keep birding.
Anonymous
The best bird logging app
Birda is honestly the best bird logging app I have seen. I love all the features it has from being able to do a session and log all the birds you see in one sitting, to being able to connect with other birders from all over the globe!
Safira V
Birding and wellbeing app
Birda is an excellent platform to share your love of Birding and is a great tool of encouragement for a Birding Beginner like me. Birda has a very kind and supportive community of Birding enthusiasts. For me BIRDA is not only a BIRDING but also a WELLBEING App.
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.
BCHphotography_
Such a great app!
I didn’t think I could enjoy birding more but this app makes it so much better. Some great features and a really great way to share your sightings with your friends or fellow birders nearby or around the world! ❀️
EandB17
Terrific App for Birders
Downloaded Birda around the time my interest in birding was sparked, and it has been a terrific app to help me (1) share my experience, (2) document my sightings, and (3) learn more about birds in general. That said, I also believe Birda is a fantastic app for birders of all experience levels. Great community!
Nedz53
Really useful
Downloaded to give it a try, everything worked perfectly, recorded my first bird watching walk. Very impressed. Have already recommended to friends!
Birdafan
Ideal Birdwatch Companion
Simply adds to the enjoyment of my birdwatching and helps me record what I’ve seen.
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.