Shelduck (also Common Shelduck) Tadorna tadorna
The Shelduck, also called Common Shelduck to differentiate from non-northern-European species,
is prevalent in coastal areas of much of Europe and inland areas of (mainly Central) Asia.
Shelduck pair
Sheldrake has a green tinge to his black head
Shelduck female has a different bill
The female has similar plumage to the male but a different bill without the red "face-plate".
She seems so much smaller than the male
The word Shelduck means pied waterfowl (English) as does it's scientific name
Tadorna (Celtic), although Shelduck now refers to several species of large duck midway to small geese.
The rare two-headed Shelduck
Shelly saw in her reflection that her diet wasn't working.
The drake breeding plumage has an enlarged red knob on his bill.
In the breeding season, Shelduck are argumentative birds, both with their own kind and with other duck species.
Female Shelduck arguing with Mallard
Showing the green wing feathers (speculum) which reflect metallic green in the sunlight, as does the head.
Juvenile
Both male and female show a green tinge to their heads in sunlight.
In flight
In flight
Landed
Links:
Shelduck caught in metal ring