Tadorna – Shelducks

A striking group of large, boldly patterned waterfowl that sit somewhere between ducks and geese in appearance and behavior. These birds are found across parts of Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australasia, depending on the species, and they are known for their strong colors, loud calls, and tendency to nest in unusual places, like burrows or holes in the ground.

Shelducks are typically larger and more upright than most ducks, with long legs, sturdy bodies, and relatively long necks. They usually range from 50 to 70 centimeters (20 to 28 inches) in length and often show striking plumage—often featuring bold contrasts of white, black, chestnut, and greenish gloss, with some species sporting colorful facial features or even a knob at the base of the bill. Males and females often look quite similar, though males may be slightly larger or more vibrantly colored.

Shelducks are omnivorous and feed on a wide range of foods including aquatic invertebrates, small mollusks, seeds, and algae. They often forage by dabbling in shallow water or grazing along the shore. Some species, like the South African shelduck (Tadorna cana), are known for their pair-bonding and monogamous relationships, often returning to the same nesting area year after year.

What’s particularly unique about shelducks is their nesting behavior. Instead of building open nests on the ground like many ducks, they often nest in burrows, tree hollows, rock crevices, or even in the abandoned burrows of animals like foxes or rabbits. After hatching, the ducklings leave the nest quickly and are led by the parents—sometimes across great distances—to water.