Common Shelduck
Least ConcernTadorna tadorna
Visual Identification
Common Shelduck
Appearance
The Common Shelduck is a striking large duck with distinctive black and white plumage. It has a dark green head, a broad chestnut band across the chest, and a red bill with a prominent knob at the base in males.
Females are similar but slightly smaller and lack the bill knob, and they also show some white facial markings around the base of the bill in contrast to the solid glossy black-green of the male.
Juveniles have a duller plumage with a brown back and lack the chestnut band. In flight, both sexes display conspicuous white wing coverts and black flight feathers.
Size
Length
58cm to 67cm
Wingspan
110cm to 130cm
Weight
800g to 1.4kg
Habitat and Distribution
Habitats
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
Distribution
Common Shelducks inhabit coastal areas, estuaries, and inland lakes across Europe and Asia. They prefer shallow waters with muddy bottoms and adjacent short grassland or bare ground for foraging and nesting.
In the UK, they are widespread along the coast, with large concentrations in estuaries. During winter, many European birds migrate to the Mediterranean and North Africa, while some populations in milder areas remain resident year-round.
For almost guaranteed UK sightings, head to north-west England in winter, where around 10,000 shelducks can be seen gathering on the muddy estuaries of the Dee and Mersey rivers.
Elevation Range
Sea level to 1,000 meters
Climate zones
Temperate, Subarctic
Distribution Map
Distribution by Region
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
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Diet
Common Shelducks primarily feed on small invertebrates, including molluscs, crustaceans, and marine worms. They use their bills to sift through mud and shallow water, often upending in deeper areas.
Plant material, such as algae and seeds, small fish and frogspawn, also forms part of their diet, especially in winter. Occasionally, they take the eggs from coots nesting nearby.
Behaviour
Common Shelducks are often seen in pairs or small flocks, walking with an upright posture on land. They are excellent swimmers and divers, using their bills to sift through mud for food.
During the breeding season, males engage in elaborate courtship displays, including head-bobbing and whistling calls.
Vocalisation
The Common Shelduck has a distinctive vocal repertoire. Males produce a soft whistling 'whee-oo' during courtship, while females emit a harsh, nasal 'gag-gag' call.
In flight, both sexes make a resonant 'a-ang' sound, often given in rapid succession, creating a recognisable rhythmic pattern.
Nesting & Breeding
Common Shelducks form monogamous pairs, often reuniting in successive breeding seasons. Courtship begins in late winter, with breeding occurring from April to July in most regions.
Nests are typically located in burrows, often those abandoned by rabbits or foxes, but may also use rock crevices or hollow trees. The female lines the nest with down and lays 8-12 cream-coloured eggs.
Incubation lasts about 30 days, undertaken by the female, whilst the male remains nearby, guarding the site from predators. Both parents care for the ducklings, which fledge after 45-50 days. Large crèches of ducklings from multiple families are often observed.
Lifespan
The Common Shelduck typically lives for 10 years, with a maximum recorded lifespan of 24.8 years.
Like all birds, lifespan can be affected by factors including predation, habitat quality, disease, and access to food sources.
Conservation and Status
Global Conservation Status
While the Common Shelduck is currently listed as Least Concern, it faces threats from habitat loss due to coastal development and climate change.
Conservation efforts focus on protecting key wetland and coastal areas, particularly in Europe, where significant populations breed and winter.
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for Shelducks in coastal areas, especially estuaries and mudflats
- Listen for their distinctive whistling call, often given in flight
- Observe their unique upright posture when walking on land
- In the UK, visit nature reserves along the east coast for the best viewing opportunities
Additional Information
Quick Facts
Other names:
Shelduck
Family:
AnatidaePredators
Adult Shelducks face few natural predators, but eggs and ducklings are vulnerable to foxes, gulls, and large birds of prey.
Did You Know?
- Shelducks can nest up to 1 km inland from water bodies, with parents leading ducklings on long treks to feeding grounds.
- They undergo a complete moult after breeding, becoming flightless for about a month.
- The name 'Shelduck' is believed to come from the Middle English 'sheld', meaning pied or parti-colored.
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FAQs
Is a Shelduck a duck or a goose?
In terms of size, a shelduck sits between most duck species and smaller geese. It’s officially classed as a duck and is one of the largest duck species, with some overlap in size with barnacle goose.
Can Shelduck fly?
Shelducks can fly and migrate over long distances to reach moulting and wintering grounds each year.
References
- 2
website: BirdLife International. 2019. Tadorna tadorna. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2019: e.T22680024A154560262.
View source - 3 4
report, 2015: Wetlands International
- 1
website, 2010: Fransson et al., EURING list of longevity records for European birds
View source