Shelduck

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. Sometimes nest in holes in trees or in the ground.

Key ID Features:
Adults are large, colourful ducks with a slightly goose-like appearance.
Mainly white body with black and russet markings on back and tail and a broad russet chestband.
Dark green neck and head with bright red, knobbed bill.
Bold black wing tips visible in flight.

Overview
Scientific name: Tadorna tadorna
Family: Swans, ducks and geese (Anatidae)

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

Seen in UK:
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.

Text (c) RSPB, used with permission
For more information click here

Photographer: Tim Tapley

Shelduck

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. Sometimes nest in holes in trees or in the ground.

Key ID Features:
Adults are large, colourful ducks with a slightly goose-like appearance.
Mainly white body with black and russet markings on back and tail and a broad russet chestband.
Dark green neck and head with bright red, knobbed bill.
Bold black wing tips visible in flight.

Overview
Scientific name: Tadorna tadorna
Family: Swans, ducks and geese (Anatidae)

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

Seen in UK:
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.

Text (c) RSPB, used with permission
For more information click here

Photographer: Tim Tapley