Ducks, geese, and swans · Waterfowl
Common Shelduck
Link copied.
Tadorna tadorna
Link copied.
Voice
Call
Song
Call
How to recognize it
-
58–67 cm long, clearly larger than a mallard
-
White body, chestnut band from chest to shoulders
-
Dark green head and neck, red bill
-
Sits high on the water, rarely dives
About the species
White dominates its plumage, set off by a deep green head and neck and a broad chestnut band across the breast. Its belly is black, while the red bill and pink legs add two bright touches. In flight, a green patch flashes on the wing; males in breeding season may show a knob at the base of the bill.
Along the shore, it walks quickly and spends much of its time on land, then takes off in direct, steady flight. Its calls carry across open water: a loud honk, with males giving high whistles in spring and females repeating a rapid, nasal "ga-ga-ga." When danger approaches, young can dive underwater while adults fly off to draw predators away.
It feeds on small crustaceans, molluscs and aquatic insects, probing exposed mud for food as the tide goes out. Look for it on estuaries, tidal flats and salt marshes, as well as open lakes and rivers. Many populations move south for winter, though in western Europe some remain near their breeding areas year-round.
Where to find
-
At low tide on a sea shore, look for a Common Shelduck sweeping its bill through exposed mud for small invertebrates.
-
Along open, gently sloping shores of saline or brackish lakes in steppe and semi-desert regions, watch for feeding on the water, usually without diving.
-
At high tide, scan land beside the coast: they may rest there away from the water's edge.
