Alternative Names (Synonyms)

Names for newly-hatched

Names for non-breeding males or other colour-phases

References

Species Author

Major References

Other references:
B138

Aviculture references:
J23.13.w7
B7, B29, B30, B31, B40, B95, B97, B108, B128.w1, B128.w2, B129
D1, D8

• Wildlife and Countryside Directorate, Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions (DETR)
• British Trust for Ornithology (BTO)
• The Edward Grey Institute of Field Ornithology
• Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB)
• Earthkind
• The Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust (WWT)

• Waterfowl Management Guidelines
• Proceedings of the Waterfowl Information Network Conference 1999
• Wetlands, Industry and Wildlife
• London Waterfowl Project FAQ's
• The Electronic Library: further reading for "Wildlife: Oil Spill Response"

TAXA Group (where information has been collated for an entire group on a modular basis)

Parent Group

• Waterfowl
• Shelducks

Specific Needs Group referenced in Management Techniques

Aviculture Information

Notes

• Shelducks are generally hardy. Their pen should contain short grass for grazing, and they appreciate a degree of cover. Minimum enclosure size suggested for a pair of shelduck is 100 square metres.
• They tend to be aggressive particularly in the breeding season, and may even kill small ducks, and a separate enclosure is usually required. There is some species-based and individual variation in degree of aggression.
• Most species prefer to use a partially-buried nest box with a tunnel entrance, usually in the form of a drain pipe. A suggested nest box size is 12x12x14 inches (30x30x40cm), with a six inch (15cm) diameter entrance tunnel drain pipe, or 6x6 inches (15x15cm) square entrance tunnel, minimum 12 inches (30cm) long. Ground-level nest boxes with a six-inch (15cm) diameter entrance hole may also be used.

(B29, B40, B94, B128.w1,D1)

Species-specific information:

• Common shelduck are generally cold-hardy, although an enclosed dry area may be required in places with prolonged severe frosts. A large paddock with good grass and an extensive water area recommended. This species is less aggressive than most of the other shelducks, but they can be aggressive while breeding - may fight other males if more than one pair are kept, and harass other birds coming too close to their mate. They may sometimes require separate pen while breeding, or should be in a large enclosure. Grain, pellets and bread should supplement grazing
• These shelduck are easy to breed. Artificial 'earth-burrow' nest boxes with drainpipe entrance should be provided; they may also use a kennel, wigwam or surface-level box. Eggs are usually laid April to May. They are often reliable incubators, with both parents tending ducklings; parent rearing is straightforward if ample natural food is available. Hand rearing also easy on starter crumbs and green food such as duckweed, with access to short grass once the ducklings are a few days old.
• Hybridisation occurs with other Tadorna spp., and has also been reported with Alopochen aegyptiacus - Egyptian goose, Somateria mollissima - Common eider, Anas platyrhynchos - Mallard.

(J23.13.w7, B7, B29, B30, B31, B40, B94, B95, B97, B108, B128.w2, B129, D1).

Aviornis UK Ringing Scheme recommended average closed ring size: N 13.0mm (D8).

• Accommodation of Casualty Waterfowl
• Rearing of Birds - Artificial Rearing - Waterfowl considerations
• Catching and Handling of Waterfowl
• Feeding of Casualty Waterfowl
• Release of Casualty Waterfowl
• See also: Oil Spill: Species Identification and Special Considerations

Measurement & Weight

Head

Legs

Plumage

Upperparts white with scapulars and tail-tip black.

Wings have white coverts, chestnut tertials, metallic green secondaries, black primaries.

Eclipse/non-breeding: both sexes duller, with breast band less clear and more white on head.

Newly-hatched Characteristics

Nest placement and structure

Egg clutches

Incubation

Hatching

Fledging

Sexual Maturity

Feeding Behaviour

Parental Behaviour

Broods join from about 2-3 weeks old to form crèches of up to 100 ducklings, with most adults then deserting the ducklings. Ducklings brood each other at night.

Social Behaviour

Sexual Behaviour

Predation in Wild

Activity Patterns

Adults

Newly-hatched

Distribution and Movement (Migration etc.)

• Ireland and Britain, across north western Europe, through Mediterranean, through central Asia, east to north-east China, south to Iran and Afghanistan.

  • In London: In the London Area, "decreasing breeding resident on Lower Thames, regular visitor to major inland waters where it breeds in small numbers." (J322.65.w1)

• Movements are to moulting areas and, for higher-latitude and inland populations, south to lower latitudes for winter.
• Many birds (100,000) from north-west Europe gather from July to September in the Waddenzee area off the German coast to moult.
• Winters as far south as north Africa, Iraq, India, Burma, southern China and Japan

Accidental to Iceland Faeroes, Czechoslovakia, Hungary, Austria, Switzerland, Kuwait, Libya.

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Habitat

Intraspecific variation

Conservation Status

Widespread and abundant (B1).

Captive Populations

Trade