Australian Shelduck

Tadorna tadornoides

This Australian endemic is the largest and most striking looking duck found at our lake. The sexes are similar but the female has white around her eyes. In the breeding season they are normally seen in pairs; the male jealously guards his mate. They normally nest in tree hollows: after falling from high in the tree, ducklings often have to walk a considerable distance to the water.

Shelducks feed on plant material and invertebrates.

  • Length: 56 - 73cm
  • Clutch Size: 10 - 14

Drawings kindly provided by Pam. Photography and text by David Free. Audio clips provided by David Secomb.