Latin name

Tadorna tadorna

The shelduck is a mainly white duck, larger than a mallard but smaller than geese such as greylag and Canada. It has a particularly prominent red bill, black-green head, and chestnut and white upperparts. In flight, shelducks look heavy and have slow-beating wings.

Where to see them

Shelducks are found mainly in coastal areas, although they can also be found around inland waters such as reservoirs and gravel workings.

© 2007 The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds. Charity registered in England and Wales no 207076, in Scotland no SCO 37654