Common Shelduck

Simply known as the Shelduck, Common Shelduck (Tadorna Tadorna) is among the most attractive of European waterfowl. Its scientific name comes from Celtic roots and means "pied waterfowl", essentially the same as the English "shelduck". The superior-sized, longer-legged drakes invariably show a larger, more prominent red, fleshy frontal knob or shield-like enlargement at base of the slightly upturned, brilliant reddish-pink bill and pink feet. A broad chestnut band extends across their chest and a dark stripe adorns the center of the white belly. Sexes are similar, but the female is smaller, with some white facial markings, while the male is particularly crisply colored in the breeding season with his bill bright red and the prominent knob at the forehead. Common Shelducks (Tadorna Tadorna) show a decided preference for marine habitats, especially in Europe, where the ducks are partial to sandy or muddy coastal mud flats and estuaries. Most populations migrate to subtropical areas in winter, but this species is largely resident in western Europe, apart from movements to favoured moulting grounds, such as the Wadden Sea on the north German coast. They perch on stone walls, rooftops, haystack and cliff ledges. They are more inclined to swim in muddy channels than open sea, and rise easily from either water or land, sometimes without a preliminary run. Migrating flocks which can be very large are inclined to fly at great heights in long, straight lines, whereas when flying to and from local feeding sites, the birds are more apt to travel in V-formation or diagonal lines. This species, mainly associated with lakes and rivers in open country, feed selectively primarily on small marine invertebrates. Birds from northwestern Europe are salt-water-snail specialists and prey extensively on estuarine snails. Common Shelducks (Tadorna Tadorna) nest close to tidal water, generally in sheltered bays, estuaries and inlets backed by stable sand dunes. Pairs rarely nest in the open, hence the coastal people of Germany refer to the ducks as Cave Geese, due to their preference for rabbit, badger, fox or marmot borrows. Pairs also use hollows in large trees or gnarled roots, and cavities beneath large pieces of driftwood, as well a s tunnels in dense vegetation, holes in stone walls or lighthouses, and inside farm buildings. They breed in temperate Eurasia, in rabbit burrows, tree holes, haystacks or similar. In winter it is common on suitable estuaries and tidal mudflats as well. They are often reliable incubators, with both parents tending ducklings; parent rearing is straightforward if ample natural food is available.