Australian Shelduck

01 · Identification

How to tell it apart

The Australian shelduck, also known as the chestnut-breasted shelduck or mountain duck, is a shelduck, a group of large goose-like ducks part of the bird family Anatidae. The genus name Tadorna comes from Celtic roots and means "pied waterfowl". They have a striking chestnut-coloured breast and black body. They are protected under the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974.

Description · wikipedia · CC BY-SA 4.0

1. 01

   Broad chestnut breast band

   A rich, deep chestnut band across the upper breast, contrasting with the dark body. Present in both sexes.

2. 02

   Male: Bold white neck collar

   A prominent white band clearly separates the dark, iridescent green head from the chestnut breast, diagnostic for males.

3. 03

   Female: Distinct white eye-ring

   The female has a neat white ring around the eye and often a variable white patch at the base of the bill, lacking the male's neck collar.

4. 04

   Large white upperwing panels

   Massive white patches on the forewing are highly conspicuous in flight, contrasting with dark flight feathers and a green speculum.