Common ShelduckTadorna tadornaWhere and when to see them

The Common Shelduck is a large, boldly patterned waterbird with a shape intermediate between a typical duck and a small goose. It occurs across much of Europe and temperate Asia, with populations concentrated around coasts and suitable inland wetlands. Its white body, dark green head and chestnut breast band make adults distinctive. Along the Seine, it is most closely associated with the estuary and adjoining coastal wetlands rather than the urban river. Despite its English name, its presence varies considerably with habitat and season.

Size

58-67 cm long, with a wingspan of 110-133 cm.

Weight

Approximately 0.8-1.5 kg, with males generally heavier than females.

Lifespan

Can live more than 20 years in the wild, although many individuals live much shorter lives.

Status

Least Concern (IUCN).

Common Shelducks often gather in flocks outside the breeding season. Breeding pairs defend territories, and courtship includes calling, head movements and displays by males. They usually nest in cavities, including abandoned rabbit burrows, but also use other sheltered sites. Both parents tend the ducklings, which leave the nest soon after hatching and feed themselves. Broods may combine into crèches attended by a small number of adults. After breeding, many adults travel to traditional moulting areas, sometimes far from their nesting grounds. They become temporarily flightless while replacing their flight feathers. Feeding activity in estuaries often follows the tides, as falling water exposes mudflats.

• Common Shelducks frequently nest in abandoned rabbit burrows.
• Ducklings from several families can gather in a single crèche.
• The Wadden Sea is a major gathering area for moulting adults.
• Males typically whistle, while females give deeper, honking calls.

Wildlife opportunities depend on the river reach, water levels and species. River-specific viewing months have not been confirmed; general species seasons are not a local sighting forecast.

This species favours estuaries, sheltered coastal bays, mudflats and saltmarshes. It also uses saline lagoons and shallow inland lakes, including some freshwater sites. Productive shallows and soft sediments are important feeding habitats. Nesting requires nearby burrows, cavities or other protected places, sometimes some distance from water. In the Seine region, the lower estuary and surrounding wetlands offer more suitable habitat than deep, steep-sided river reaches.

The diet consists mainly of small aquatic invertebrates, especially molluscs, crustaceans and insect larvae. Tiny mud snails can be particularly important on estuarine feeding grounds. Shelducks take food by sweeping and sieving soft mud or shallow water with their bills, and may also upend to reach submerged food. They occasionally eat algae, seeds and other plant material.

Common name

Common Shelduck

Scientific name

Tadorna tadorna

Animal group

Birds

Size

58-67 cm long, with a wingspan of 110-133 cm.

Weight

Approximately 0.8-1.5 kg, with males generally heavier than females.

Lifespan

Can live more than 20 years in the wild, although many individuals live much shorter lives.

Status

Least Concern (IUCN).

Identification

Adults have a mainly white body, a glossy dark green head and neck, a broad chestnut breast band and a red bill. Black shoulder markings and flight feathers create a striking contrast with the white plumage. The male is usually larger and develops a prominent knob at the base of the bill during the breeding season. Juveniles are duller, with a pale face, a greyish bill and no clear chestnut breast band.