Tadorna tadornoides

(Jardine & Selby, 1828)

Vernacular names
English : Australian shelduck
French : Tadorne d’Australie

Classification
Class : Aves
Order : Anseriformes
Family : Anatidae
Notes : No subspecies known.

Identification
Adults can reach 72 cm in length for a weight of 1.9 kg. Most of plumage dark brownish-black with chestnut wing feathers and bright chestnut breast. White collar around throat, iridescent green head. Female has white bill and eye ring.

Range and habitat
The species occurs as isolated populations in South-west and South-east Australia, Tasmania and New Zealand. Lives in shallow freshwater and brackish sheltered lakes and lagoons.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : LEAST CONCERN
CITES : Not Listed
Status : The species is common and expanding its range in western Australia. Vulnerable to habitat loss on breeding grounds, still locally hunted for sport.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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