Radjah Shelduck

Radjah radjah(Lesson & Garnot, 1828)

Updated 21 March 2026

Also known asDirdiMarra-marra

Least ConcernNative

Order: ANSERIFORMES
Family: Anatidae
Genus: Radjah

At a glance

The Radjah Shelduck is a large bird, about 49–61 cm long, listed as Least Concern and native to Australia. It can be seen year-round.

Size: 49–61 cm
Conservation status: Least Concern
Origin: Native
Best seen: Year-round
Commonness: Very common

01 · Identification

How to tell it apart

What does a Radjah Shelduck look like?

The Radjah Shelduck is a large bird, about 49–61 cm long and weighing 600–1400 g.

The radjah shelduck, is a species of shelduck found mostly in New Guinea and Australia, and also on some of the Moluccas. It is known alternatively as the raja shelduck, black-backed shelduck, or in Australia as the Burdekin duck.

Description · wikipedia · CC BY-SA 4.0

Field specs

Length: 49–61 cm
Weight: 600–1400 g
Wingspan: 90 cm

Measurements · avonet · CC BY 4.0

Field tips

behaviour

Almost always seen in permanent, well-bonded pairs; if one bird is flushed, the second will almost invariably follow immediately.

flight

In flight, the wings reveal massive white panels on both the upper and lower surfaces, accented by a dark green iridescent band on the trailing edge of the inner wing.

plumage

Look for the diagnostic pale iris and white eye-ring against the white head, along with a distinct narrow chestnut collar across the upper breast.
The bill and legs are a characteristic fleshy-pink color, providing a sharp contrast to the bird's dark back and wings.

size_and_shape

Features a heavy, goose-like silhouette with a thick neck and a noticeably upright, alert posture when standing on banks or branches.

voice

Listen for sexual dimorphism in calls: the female gives a loud, harsh rattle while the male produces a thin, breathy, 'sore-throat' whistle.

03 · When

When to look

When can you see a Radjah Shelduck?

The Radjah Shelduck is present across its Australian range year-round, so it can be seen in any month.

05 · Behaviour

Habits and haunts

What does a Radjah Shelduck eat?

The Radjah Shelduck feeds on seeds, intertidal invertebrates and fish/invertebrates, usually foraging in pairs or flocks.

06 · Gallery

Plumage up close

6 photos

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