Tadorna tadorna
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Mass
~1 kg
Habitat
Coastal areas
Diet
Fish and aquatic animals
How to recognize it
The Common Shelduck stands out with its pale, strongly contrasting plumage and its calm, steady way of moving on water and on shore. Near the coast or in open wetlands, it is easy to remember as a larger, longer-bodied duck that looks a little unlike the usual pond species.
It moves with an easy, deliberate manner, but when disturbed it turns noisy fast. Its loud honking call often gives it away before you spot it.
It favors coastal shallows, estuaries, and open shorelines with mud or sand. It feeds on small crustaceans, mollusks, and aquatic insects, and in winter it may stay put or move south.
Quick Facts
Listen to the call
The Common Shelduck stands out with its pale, strongly contrasting plumage and its calm, steady way of moving on water and on shore. Near the coast or in open wetlands, it is easy to remember as a larger, longer-bodied duck that looks a little unlike the usual pond species.
It moves with an easy, deliberate manner, but when disturbed it turns noisy fast. Its loud honking call often gives it away before you spot it.
It favors coastal shallows, estuaries, and open shorelines with mud or sand. It feeds on small crustaceans, mollusks, and aquatic insects, and in winter it may stay put or move south.
