Common Shelduck Bird Details
Tadorna tadorna
Common Shelduck,Eurasian Shelduck, White-headed Shelduck;
Surkhaab
Carl Linnaeus (1758)
Anseriformes (DUCKS)
Anatidae
Tadorna
- Western and central Europe, northern Africa, and parts of Asia.
- India(Rajasthan and Punjab)
Appearance :
The Common Shelduck has a distinctive appearance with a white body, a black head, and a reddish-brown breast. The wings are black with white wing coverts. Males and females are similar in appearance but can be distinguished by their size and slight variations in coloration.
Behaviour :
Common Shelducks are generally social birds that often form flocks. They are known for their courtship displays and are quite vocal during breeding season.
Habitat :
They prefer coastal areas, estuaries, lakes, and marshlands. They often inhabit both freshwater and saltwater environments.
Diet :
Their diet mainly consists of aquatic vegetation, seeds, invertebrates, and small crustaceans.
Conservation Status :
Least Concern
Distribution :
Found throughout Europe, Asia, and parts of North Africa. They migrate to warmer areas in winter.
Population Size :
The global population is estimated to be around 200,000 to 500,000 individuals.
Life Span :
Typically, they can live up to 10 to 15 years in the wild.
Body And Tarsus:
- Body: The Common Shelduck has a robust and elongated body. The plumage is predominantly white with striking black and reddish-brown patches, particularly on the head and breast.
- Tarsus Length: Approximately 5 to 6.5 cm.
Head And Bill :
- Head: The head is primarily black, with a distinctive white stripe extending from the bill to the back of the head. The overall head shape is somewhat rounded.
- Bill: The bill is broad and flat, with a distinctive red-orange coloration.
- Bill Length: About 4 to 5 cm long.
Length :
Typically measures around 60 to 70 cm in length.
Neck :
The neck is relatively long and slender, with a smooth transition from the head to the body.
Size :
Medium-sized duck; males are generally larger than females.
Tail Details :
- Tail: The tail is short and square-shaped, with white feathers.
- Tail Length: Approximately 10 to 12 cm long.
- Feathers: The plumage is mostly white, with a black head and reddish-brown breast. The wings feature black primary feathers with white secondary feathers, giving a striking contrast in flight.
Weight :
Typically weighs between 1 to 2 kg
Wing :
The wings are long and broad, suitable for both rapid flight and sustained gliding.
Wing Span :
The wingspan ranges from 100 to 125 cm.
Facial Feature :
The facial features include a broad, flat bill that is red-orange, with a distinctive black and white head pattern, especially in males.
Nest Details :
- Nest: Common Shelducks prefer to nest in burrows, cavities, or dense vegetation near water bodies. They may also use old rabbit burrows or hollow trees.
- Nest made up of: The nest is typically lined with feathers, grass, and other soft materials to provide insulation and comfort for the eggs.
Breeding Season :
The breeding period typically occurs from March to July.
Nesting Season :
Nesting often coincides with the availability of suitable nesting sites and food sources, generally during the spring.
Egg Color :
The eggs are usually pale blue or greenish in color.
Egg Length :
Approximately 5.5 to 7 cm long.
Egg Width and Weight :
- Egg Width: About 4 to 5 cm wide.
- Egg Weight: Each egg weighs around 60 to 80 grams.
Clutch Size :
Clutch sizes typically range from 6 to 12 eggs.
No. of Broods :
Generally, they raise one brood per season, although under optimal conditions, they may attempt a second brood.
Incubation Period :
The incubation period lasts for about 28 to 30 days.
Nestling Period :
The young ducklings are precocial, leaving the nest shortly after hatching but remain dependent on their parents for food and protection for about 6 to 8 weeks.
Vocalization :
They produce a variety of sounds, including whistles, grunts, and quacking noises. Their vocalizations are particularly prominent during courtship.
Sex Demorphism :
Yes, there is sexual dimorphism. Males are typically larger and more vibrant in coloration than females. Males have a more pronounced red bill, while females are generally duller.
Migration Details :
- Migration Pattern: The Common Shelduck is partially migratory, with some populations moving to warmer areas during the winter months.
- Migration Period: Migration generally occurs in autumn, as birds leave their breeding grounds, and they return in spring to breed.
- Migration Route: They migrate between breeding areas in Europe and Asia to wintering grounds in Southern Europe, North Africa, and occasionally in parts of the Middle East.
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