The RSPB: Shelduck

Shelduck

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Latin name

Tadorna tadorna

Family

Swans, ducks and geese (Anatidae)

Overview

The shelduck is a mainly white duck, larger than a mallard but smaller than geese such as greylag and Canada. It has a particularly prominent red bill, black-green head, and chestnut and white upperparts. In flight, shelducks look heavy and have slow-beating wings.

Where to see them

Shelducks are found mainly in coastal areas, although they can also be found around inland waters such as reservoirs and gravel workings.

When to see them

All year

What they eat

Invertebrates, small shellfish and aquatic snails.

Estimated numbers

Europe	UK breeding*	UK wintering*	UK passage*
-	10,900 pairs	81,300 birds	-

* UK breeding is the number of pairs breeding annually. UK wintering is the number of individuals present from October to March. UK passage is the number of individuals passing through on migration in spring and/or autumn.

Distribution

Key

Please note that the map is only intended as a guide. It shows general distribution rather than detailed, localised populations.

Audio is from commercial recordings Bird Songs and Calls of Britain and Europe on 4 CDs or Bird Sounds of Europe & North-west Africa, copyright WildSounds & CEBA (www.wildsounds.com, (UK) +44 (0) 1263 741100)