Common Shelduck
Tadorna tadorna
Aves › Anseriformes › Anatidae › Tadorna
Conservation status: least_concern
The common shelduck is a waterfowl species of the shelduck genus Tadorna. It is widespread and common in the Palearctic, in Europe and northwest Africa mainly breeding on temperate coasts, saline pools and estuaries, and in Asia on inland salt lakes; increasingly it is also using open freshwater habitats inland. Wintering is in temperate to subtropical regions.
How To Identify
These medium-to-large waterfowl are easily recognizable by their bright coloration; they feature a distinct reddish or chestnut wash on the neck and chest contrasted against generally muted grey plumage.
Habitat
It typically inhabits shallow coastal waters, estuaries, saltmarshes, and inland alkaline or saline lakes across temperate Eurasia.
Behaviour
Common Shelducks perform elaborate synchronized swimming displays and head-flagging movements as part of their pair-bonding and territorial behaviour.
Native Range
The common shelduck is native to the Palearctic region, including Europe and northwest Africa, with breeding occurring in temperate coasts and saline pools.
Did You Know?
Common Shelducks are one of the few duck species where both males and females develop a distinctive knob on their bill during breeding season, and they famously fly to remote moulting grounds to shed all their flight feathers at once. Parents have been observed leading their ducklings in massive crèches of hundreds of young birds tended by just a few adults.
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