Alternative Names (Synonyms)

Names for newly-hatched

Names for non-breeding males or other colour-phases

References

Species Author

Major References

Aviculture references:
B7, B29, B30, B31, B40, B94, B97, B128.w1, B128.w2, B139
D1, D8

Other References

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

• Aggressive Birds (Category 1.) (D1)

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; 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:

• Paradise shelducks are winter-hardy. They are generally good tempered, but they defend their nest area while breeding and can be aggressive towards larger ducks as well as geese and swans, although they are generally safe with small ducks; a separate pen is recommended for breeding pairs. (May be the most aggressive shelducks - B139). Grain, pellets and greenfood should be provided.
• These shelducks breed fairly readily - very well in some collections, only sporadically in others. Buried nest boxes with a with pipe entrance and large hollow tree trunks may be used for nesting, also possibly they may use a surface-level nest box. Eggs are usually laid April to May. Ducklings may be parent hatched and reared; artificial hatching and rearing, broodies and fostering under Tadorna ferruginea - Ruddy shelduck may also be used. Duckweed is appreciated for the ducklings, also live food to supplement starter crumbs.
• Imprinting on humans should be avoided: males tend to be aggressive to humans as adults and females attracted to humans, therefore not breeding.
• Hybridisation is not common, but they may pair with other Tadorna spp. and hybrids have also been reported with Chloephaga poliocephala - Ashy-headed goose.

(B7, B29, B30, B31, B94, B97, B128.w2, B139, D1).

Aviornis UK Ringing Scheme recommended average closed ring size: P 14.0mm (D8).

Management Techniques

Measurement & Weight

Head

Legs

Plumage

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

Non-breeding season female: body black with fine brown vermiculations (similar to male), rather than chestnut.

Newly-hatched Characteristics

Nest placement and structure

Egg clutches

Incubation

Hatching

Fledging

Sexual Maturity

Feeding Behaviour

Parental Behaviour

May leave parents after fledging or stay with them on the moulting grounds.

Social Behaviour

Sexual Behaviour

Predation in Wild

Activity Patterns

Adults

Newly-hatched

Distribution and Movement (Migration etc.)

New Zealand: North Island, South Island, Stewart Island.

Mostly local movements only.

Has reached Chatham Islands.

--

Habitat

Intraspecific variation

Conservation Status

Not threatened (B1). Population approximately 15,000-180,000 birds.

Captive Populations

Trade