Australian Shelduck
The Australian Shelduck, Tadorna tadornoides, 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.
Range and habitat
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.
 |
| Australian Shelduck |
image source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/hisgett/
 |
| Australian Shelduck |
image source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/gregthebusker/
Appearance
The male is mostly dark, with a chestnut breast, white neck collar and dark green head. The female is similar, but has white around the eye. Both sexes show large white wing patches in flight.
