Australian Shelduck

The Australian shelduck, known to some as the chestnut-breasted shelduck or mountain duck, is a member of the shelduck group, which are large, goose-like ducks within the Anatidae family. These birds are adorned with a striking chestnut breast and a predominantly black body, presenting a rather pied appearance.

Identification Tips

Males of the species are characterized by their dark plumage, accented with a chestnut breast and a white neck collar, topped with a dark green head. Females share a similar coloration but are distinguished by white markings around their eyes and a slightly smaller stature. Both sexes boast chestnut and black wings with a green speculum, and during flight, a flash of white can be seen. The downy young are white with a brown crown and stripes extending from crown to tail. Juvenile males are somewhat duller than adults and lack the white collar, while juvenile females display more white, excluding their crown. The size of these birds ranges from 56 to 72 centimeters in length, with a wingspan of 94 to 132 centimeters, and they weigh between 1.3 and 1.6 kilograms.

Habitat

The Australian shelduck favors lakes situated in relatively open country, which provides an ideal setting for its lifestyle.

Distribution

This species primarily breeds in the southern regions of Australia and Tasmania, where it is still fairly common. During the winter months, many individuals migrate northward, beyond their usual breeding range.

Behaviour

In the wild, Australian shelducks can be found in flocks that may number up to a thousand or more. They exhibit extreme wariness around humans, often vocalizing in their presence, though they can become accustomed to human activity in urban settings. On land, they maintain an upright posture while grazing, and in the water, they sit high. While young birds frequently dive, adults typically reserve diving for the moulting period when they are flightless, or if they are injured or frightened.

Song & Calls

The male's vocalization is a deep, resonant honk, reminiscent of a goose's call. In contrast, the female produces a high-pitched and penetrating "zeek, zeek."

Breeding

Nesting sites for the Australian shelduck include tree hollows lined with down, bank holes, or similar secluded spots. Clutches typically consist of eight to fifteen eggs, which are incubated for a period of thirty to thirty-three days. Once the young leave the nest, they often form crèches, which are large groups of flightless young, sometimes numbering between 20 and 40, and on rare occasions, up to 100.

Diet and Feeding

Their diet consists of plant material such as tubers, saltbush, and samphire, supplemented by a variety of insects, crustaceans, and molluscs. They employ grazing, dabbling, and filtering techniques to feed.

Conservation status

The Australian shelduck is currently listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, indicating that it is not at immediate risk of widespread decline.