Common Shelduck
Tadorna tadorna
Visual Identification
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
This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Common Shelduck. The coloured areas show countries where these birds have been seen.
A few things to keep in mind:
- Birds might not be everywhere in the coloured areas, for example, they may be present around the coast of that country
- Where birds live can change with seasons and available food
- This map is quite simple - it doesn't show exact locations
We're working on making our maps even better! Soon, we hope to show you:
- More detailed maps for bigger countries, including state and region
- How birds move around during different seasons
Distribution by Region
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
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Share your thoughtsBird Attributes Explained
Our bird attributes system rates various aspects of a bird's capabilities on a scale of 0-100, based on data from field observations, scientific studies, and expert knowledge.
Attribute Categories:
- Agility: Manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
- Strength: Physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
- Adaptability: Ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
- Aggressiveness: Territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
- Endurance: Stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
Understanding the Ratings:
- 0-20: Very Low
- 21-40: Low
- 41-60: Average
- 61-80: High
- 81-100: Very High
Remember, these attributes are relative to other bird species and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Hover over the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Agility
Reflects the bird's manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
The Common Shelduck demonstrates considerable agility both in water and on land. Their ability to swim, dive, and walk with an upright posture suggests good manoeuvrability. Their flight capabilities, including long-distance migration, further support this rating.
Strength
Indicates the bird's physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
As a large duck species weighing up to 1400g with a wingspan of up to 130cm, the Common Shelduck possesses moderate strength. Their ability to undertake long migrations and defend territories during breeding season indicates a robust physique.
Adaptability
Represents the bird's ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
Common Shelducks show high adaptability, inhabiting diverse environments from coastal areas to inland lakes. Their ability to nest in various locations, including burrows and tree hollows, and their partial migratory behaviour demonstrate flexibility in response to environmental conditions.
Aggressiveness
Measures the bird's territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
While not typically aggressive, Common Shelducks display territorial behaviour during breeding season. Males engage in elaborate courtship displays, which may involve competitive interactions. Their ability to defend nests and young from predators suggests a moderate level of aggression when necessary.
Endurance
Reflects the bird's stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
The Common Shelduck exhibits impressive endurance. Their ability to undertake long-distance migrations, dive for food, and lead ducklings on extended treks to feeding grounds all point to high stamina. Additionally, their lifespan of up to 24 years in the wild indicates good overall endurance.
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.
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
Predators
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.
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
- 1
website: BirdLife International. 2019. Tadorna tadorna. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2019: e.T22680024A154560262.
View source - 2 3
report, 2015: Wetlands International
- 4
website, 2010: Fransson et al., EURING list of longevity records for European birds
View source
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