Australian Shelduck
aka Chestnut-breasted Shelduck
Tadorna tadornoides
A pair of Australian Shelducks, male in the front
These pretty, medium-sized ducks do well in collections and may be kept in groups or with other species. They do require both greens and extra animal food (e.g., worms, minced meat) in their diet. Ground nests are preferred, in hollow trees or burrows. The female has a white ring around her eye.
They need protection from extreme cold in winter.
Australian Shelduck Links:
Another page on Aussie Shels
Videos of Australian Shelducks
Two pairs of Australian Shelducks
A female, clearly showing the eye ring
And a drake, clearly showing the lack of an eye ring
Photo courtesy of David Townsend
A pinioned male -- here you can see the white wing markings
Another pair, male on the left
Photo courtesy of Clyde Robinson & Avian Empire
or
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Direct questions and comments to Barry at FeatherSite -- questions and comments