Tadornas » Australian Shelduck

Australian Shelduck (Tadorna tadornoides)

The Australian Shelduck is a shelduck, a group of large goose-like birds which are part of the bird family Anatidae. The genus name Tadorna comes from Celtic roots and means "pied waterfowl". They are protected under the National Parks and Wildlife Act, 1974.

The males are mostly dark, with a chestnut breast. They have white neck collars and dark green heads. The females are similar, but they have white around the eyes and are smaller. Both males and females show a white wing during flight.

The Australian Shelduck breeds in southern Australia and Tasmania. In the winter, many birds move further north than the breeding range.

As with other shelducks, this species has favourite moulting grounds, such as Lake George, NSW, where sizeable concentrations occur.

The Australian Shelduck"s primary habitat is lakes in fairly open country. It makes its nest in tree holes, holes in banks, or similar locations.

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