WILDFOWL IDENTIFICATION

Shelducks
The Shelducks are part of the 'Tadorna' genus which include about six species such as the Australian Shelduck, Common Shelduck, Paradise Shelduck, Radjah Shelduck, Ruddy Shelduck, and South African Shelduck.

Most of which are found at WWT Slimbridge: -

	Australian Shelduck (WWT Slimbridge October 2017) ©Nigel Key
	Common Shelduck (WWT Slimbridge May 2017) ©Nigel Key
	Radjah Shelduck (WWT Slimbridge November 2017) ©Nigel Key
	Ruddy Shelduck (WWT Slimbridge November 2013) ©Nigel Key
	South African Shelduck (WWT Slimbridge May 2016) ©Nigel Key

To aid identification we shall compare various significant parts of the Shelduck:-

The Head, Bill & Eyes

Australian Shelduck	Common Shelduck
Radjah Shelduck	Ruddy Shelduck
South African Shelduck

The Breast & Body

Australian Shelduck	Common Shelduck
Radjah Shelduck	Ruddy Shelduck
South African Shelduck

The Tail

Australian Shelduck	Common Shelduck
Radjah Shelduck	Ruddy Shelduck
South African Shelduck

Photos copyright of ©Nigel Key Click for larger image

Australian Shelduck.
A very dark Green head, Chestnut coloured breast, a White neck collar, dark Blackish body, Black primaries and Green secondaries. It has a Grey bill and Grey legs and feet.

Common Shelduck.
A dark Green head and neck, Red bill and Knob, White breast, with a Brown band round the breast and mantle. The back and belly is White, the wings are White with Black primary feathers and the legs and feet are Pink.

Radjah Shelduck.
White plumage with metallic Green on top of their wings, dark wing tips and a ‘collar’ around the breast. The back and tail is Brown Black, the eyes are a striking White, the bill is light Pink and the legs and feet are also Pink.

Ruddy Shelduck.
Orange Brown plumage with a lighter face and crown with a Black collar around the neck just above the breast. The rump and tail are Black and the wings are White with Black flight feathers. The bill is Black and the legs and feet are also Black.

South African Shelduck.
A Grey head and upper neck, a Black bill, a Buff lower neck and breast. The body is Chestnut Brown with Black with White and Green wings. The legs and feet are dark Grey.

Now that we have identified the Shelducks, where can we find them at WWT Slimbridge?

They can be found in the following Zones: -

Australian Shelduck. - Australia Zone.

Common Shelduck. - Swan Lake.

Radjah Shelduck. - Australia Zone.

Ruddy Shelduck. - Asia Zone.

South African Shelduck. - Flamingo Lagoon.


Did You Know?

	The Australian Shelduck is the largest duck in Australia.
	Shelducks nest in tree hollows, old animal burrows and cavities.
	Shelduck young are kept in 'nursery waters' where thay are looked after by other adult shelducks.
	Ruddy Shelducks are considered sacred by Buddhists because their colour resembles the robes worn by monks.

Related Links:-


Crane Identification

Dabbling Duck Identification

Diving Duck Identification

Flamingo Identification

Geese Identification

Sea Duck Identification

Shelduck Identification

Shoveler Identification

Swan Identification

Whistling Duck Identification




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