Tadorna tadorna
Conservation Status: Least Concern
Habitat: Coastal areas
Length: 24 in long
Weight: 2 – 2.6 lbs
Average Lifespan: 14.5 years
Incubation Period: 28 – 30 days
Number of Eggs: 5 – 10
- Common shelducks feed on small marine invertebrates such as snails,
mollusks, crustaceans, and insects - Their nests are usually made in anything enclosed, including man-made items,
hollows in large trees, gnarled roots, sheltered bays, and even holes created by
other animals such as rabbits or badgers - The young will dive underwater to avoid predators and the adults will fly away
from them to act as a decoy - This is a big, colorful duck, bigger than a mallard but smaller than a goose.
Both sexes have a dark green head and neck, a chestnut belly stripe, and a red bill - These ducks communicate using honks, grunts, and whistles
- Within days of hatching, the young are led to their nursery water by both parents
or sometimes by other adults. This distance can be a mile or more - The nursery group varies in size and age range but usually includes 20 to 40
individuals. Scientists believe the nursery supervisors are failed breeders
or non-breeders