The common shelduck (Tadorna tadorna) is a waterfowl species of the shelduck genus, Tadorna. It is widespread and common in the Euro-Siberian region of the Palearctic, mainly breeding in temperate and wintering in subtropical regions; in winter, it can also be found in the Maghreb.

Distinctive, large, rather gooselike duck of coastal wetlands, tidal mudflats, and nearby grassy fields. Striking plumage often looks simply black-and-white; at close range, head is deep glossy green, broad breast band dark rusty. Male has raised knob at base of red bill; juvenile duller overall, with whitish face and eyering.

The Australian shelduck (Tadorna tadornoides), also known as the chestnut-breasted shelduck or mountain duck, is a shelduck, a group of large goose-like ducks part of the bird family Anatidae. The genus name Tadorna comes from Celtic roots and means "pied waterfowl". [2] They have a striking chestnut-coloured breast and black body.

Shelduck, any of the smaller members of the duck tribe Tadornini, family Anatidae (order Anseriformes). The larger members of the tribe are called sheldgeese. Shelducks are short-billed ducks of somewhat gooselike build, with long legs and upright stance.

One of our largest ducks, the shelduck is a handsome creature with a dark green head, red bill and chestnut-brown band across its white body. Look out for it around most of our coastline, particularly in winter.

The shelducks, most species of which are found in the genus Tadorna (except for the Radjah shelduck, which is now found in its own monotypic genus Radjah), are a group of large birds in the Tadorninae subfamily of the Anatidae, the biological family that includes the ducks and most duck-like waterfowl such as the geese and swans.

It shows general distribution rather than detailed, localised populations. This is a big, colourful duck, which is bigger than a mallard. Shelducks live mostly around the coast, but sometimes inland. See more duck facts.

Between the size of most ducks and the larger geese, the Shelduck is easy to identify with its white, black and chestnut plumage and bright red bill. In winter, Shelduck favour muddy estuaries and coastal marshes.

Common Shelduck is a vagrant from Europe and western Asia. It is a rare visitor to North America, showing up on the eastern coast of the continent from time to time. The shelduck group are also seen in South America and Australia.

Dec 24, 2023 · Common Shelduck is a widespread and familiar species, with its striking plumage, distinctive whistle and chattering calls. However, Ros Green explains that it can often be overlooked by birders.