The Australian shelduck, also known as the chestnut-breasted shelduck or mountain duck, is a shelduck, a group of large goose-like ducks part of the bird family Anatidae. The genus name Tadorna comes from Celtic roots and means "pied waterfowl". They have a striking chestnut-coloured breast and black body. They are protected under the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974.
Region
Southern Australia and Tasmania
Typical Environment
Occurs across southern Australia from Western Australia through South Australia and Victoria to New South Wales, and in Tasmania. It frequents large open wetlands, inland lakes (including saline lakes), rivers, farm dams, and estuaries. Birds readily forage in adjacent pasture and agricultural fields. During dry periods they move nomadically to more permanent waters, and in summer many concentrate at traditional moulting lakes.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
Also called the chestnut-breasted shelduck or mountain duck, this large, goose-like duck is striking in flight with bold white wing panels. Females show a distinctive white eye ring, while males often have a narrow white neck collar. They rely on tree hollows or similar cavities for nesting and gather in large flocks at traditional moulting sites. Pairs are strongly bonded and often stay together year-round.
Australian shelduck (Tadorna tadornoides)
Temperament
wary but gregarious
Flight Pattern
strong flier with steady, powerful wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or family groups, but forms large flocks outside the breeding season, especially at moulting sites. Pairs are generally monogamous and defend territories near water during breeding. Nests are placed in tree hollows, cliffs, or cavities, sometimes far from water, with ducklings led to feeding areas soon after hatching.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Vocal and goose-like; males give deeper honking calls, while females have higher-pitched, more rapid yelps. Calls carry over open water and are most frequent during flight and social interactions.
Plumage
Large, dark shelduck with a rich chestnut breast, dark body, and bold white wing patches visible in flight; wings show iridescent green secondaries. Males typically show a narrow white neck ring; females are darker-headed with a conspicuous white eye patch.
Diet
Feeds by grazing and dabbling on grasses, herbs, seeds, and aquatic vegetation. Also takes insects, molluscs, and other small invertebrates, especially for growing ducklings. Will forage in stubble and pasture, clipping vegetation and picking fallen grain when available.
Preferred Environment
Shallow edges of lakes, wetlands, and estuaries, as well as adjacent pasture and agricultural fields. Often feeds on shorelines and open grasslands near water, moving to deeper water to loaf and roost.
