Common Shelduck

The common shelduck, Tadorna tadorna, is a waterfowl species that graces the Euro-Siberian region with its presence. It is a medium-sized bird, akin to a small, short-necked goose, and is quite the sight with its white plumage contrasted by chestnut patches and a black underbelly. The head and neck are a dark, iridescent green, and the bill is a reddish-pink, with the male sporting a conspicuous knob on the forehead during the breeding season. Pink feet complete the ensemble, making this bird a striking figure in its habitat.

Identification Tips

To identify the common shelduck, look for the distinctive reddish-pink bill and pink feet. The male, especially in breeding plumage, has a bright red bill with a prominent knob. The female is slightly smaller and has white facial markings. Both sexes have a white body with chestnut patches, a black belly, and a dark green head and neck. In flight, the green and chestnut secondary feathers become visible, contrasting with the predominantly white underwings.

Habitat

The common shelduck is found in a variety of wetland habitats, including temperate lakes and rivers, as well as estuaries and tidal mudflats in winter. It has a particular fondness for salt marshes and estuaries and is known to breed in rabbit burrows, tree holes, and even haystacks.

Distribution

This species is widespread across temperate Eurasia. It breeds in temperate regions and migrates to subtropical areas for wintering. Some populations remain resident in the westernmost parts of Europe, while others undertake movements to moulting grounds like the Wadden Sea.

Behaviour

The common shelduck is a sociable bird, often seen in large moulting flocks that can number up to 100,000 individuals. It is known for leaving its young in crèches supervised by a few adults. The species is also covered by the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA), highlighting its ecological importance.

Song & Calls

The vocalization of the common shelduck is a loud, unmistakable honk, which can be heard over considerable distances.

Breeding

During the breeding season, the male's bill becomes particularly vibrant, and the species is known to nest in a variety of locations, from rabbit burrows to tree holes.

Similar Species

While the common shelduck is quite distinctive, it could potentially be confused with other shelduck species. However, its unique coloration and size generally make it easy to distinguish.

Diet and Feeding

The common shelduck feeds on a variety of items, including mollusks and small aquatic creatures, which it often forages for in the mudflats during low tide.

Conservation Status

The IUCN Red List classifies the common shelduck as Least Concern, indicating that, currently, there are no immediate threats to its population numbers on a global scale.