Convervation status: Amber

Latin name

Tadorna tadorna

Family

Swans, ducks and geese (Anatidae)

Overview

This is a big, colourful duck, bigger than a mallard but smaller than a goose. Both sexes have a dark green head and neck, a chestnut belly stripe and a red bill.

Where to see them

Mainly in coastal areas, though they can also be found around inland waters such as reservoirs and gravel workings.

When to see them

Any time of year, but the population swells to more than 81,000 birds during winter.

What they eat

Invertebrates, small shellfish and aquatic snails.

Estimated numbers

* 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

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)

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Shelduck male

Shelduck female

Shelduck - juvenile

Similar birds

Shoveler