COMMON SHELDUCK
Tadorna tadorna
DESCRIPTION
The Common Shelduck is a large, striking waterfowl known for its distinctive coloration and long neck. It is often found in coastal and inland wetlands across Europe and Asia.
FUN FACTS
- Common Shelducks are known for their unique courtship displays | They can dive underwater to forage for food | Their distinctive call is a loud, honking sound
QUICK INFO
Lifespan10-15 years in the wild, up to 20 in captivity
Average Weight1.5-2.5 kg
Average Length60-70 cm
Diet TypeOmnivore
Social StructureThey are often found in pairs or small groups, especially during the breeding season.
Activity PatternDiurnal
Breeding SeasonSpring (March-May)
- Habitat
- They inhabit a variety of wetland environments, including estuaries, mudflats, and grasslands. They prefer areas with shallow water and abundant vegetation.
- Biomes
- Wetlands, Grasslands
- Native Range
- The Common Shelduck is native to Europe and parts of Asia, with some populations migrating to North Africa during winter.
- Continent
- Europe, Asia, Africa
- Countries
- United Kingdom, France, Germany, Netherlands, Spain, Italy
- Diet
- Common Shelducks primarily feed on aquatic plants, seeds, and invertebrates. They forage by dabbling in shallow waters and grazing on land.
- Diet Type
- Omnivore
- Favorite Food
- aquatic plants, seeds, invertebrates
- Social Structure
- They are often found in pairs or small groups, especially during the breeding season.
- Activity Pattern
- Diurnal
- Group Size
- 5-50
- Territorial
- 1
VU
1.5-2.5 kg
Weight
60-70 cm
Length
- Coloration
- The male has a striking green head, white body, and chestnut-colored breast, while the female is similar but with a more subdued coloration.
- Sexual Dimorphism
- Males are more brightly colored than females.
- Lifespan
- 10-15 years in the wild, up to 20 in captivity
- Offspring per Birth
- 6-12
- Sexual Maturity
- 1-2 years
- Breeding Season
- Spring (March-May)
LC
Least Concern
IUCN Red List Status
- Population Status
- The population is currently stable, but local declines have been noted in some areas.
- Wild Population Estimate
- 100,000-200,000
- Population Trend
- Stable
- Endangered
- 0
- Threats
- Main threats include habitat loss due to wetland drainage and pollution. Hunting also poses a risk in some regions.
- Predators
- Foxes, birds of prey, and humans
- Defense Mechanisms
- They often rely on their ability to fly away quickly to escape predators.
- Compatible Animals
- Other waterfowl, such as ducks and geese
- Found in Zoos
- Uncommon