Australian Shelduck

Australian Shelduck

Description

The Australian shelduck is a large, goose-like duck with a small head and short bill, growing to about 56–72 cm and weighing around 1.3–1.6 kg, with drakes noticeably larger than hens. The male has a glossy dark-green head and neck set off by a white neck ring above a rich cinnamon breast, while the black wings flash a striking green speculum and chestnut shoulder feathers in flight. The female is similar but shows a boldly chestnut breast and a distinctive white ring around the base of the bill.

Habitat

It is native to southern Australia and Tasmania, favouring wetlands, lakes, swamps, pastures and open woodland. Birds gather in large flocks at traditional sites to moult and often move northward after breeding.

Diet

A versatile feeder, it grazes on land and dabbles and filters in shallow water, taking tubers and plants such as saltbush and samphire along with insects, crustaceans and molluscs.

Reproduction

Pairs are long-lasting and usually nest in tree hollows, sometimes up to about 20 m above the ground, or on the ground where cavities are scarce. The female alone incubates a clutch of roughly 10–14 eggs for about 30–32 days, and the ducklings become independent at around 50–70 days.

Lifespan

Australian shelducks first breed at about two years old and can live for many years, often reaching well over a decade in human care.

Did you know?

Its nickname 'mountain duck' belies its noisy nature: the drake gives a deep goose-like honk while the female answers with a high, penetrating 'zeek, zeek', and the young often gather into large communal crèches watched over by a few adults.