The crested shelduck or Korean crested shelduck is a species of bird in the family Anatidae. It is critically endangered. The male crested shelduck has a greenish-black crown, breast, primaries, and tail, while the rest of its face, chin, and throat are brownish black. The male's belly, undertail coverts, and flanks are a dark grey with black striations. The upper wing coverts are white, while its speculum is an iridescent green. The female has a white eye ring, black crest, white face, chin, throat, neck, and uppers wing coverts and a dark brown body with white striations. Additionally, both sexes have a distinctive green tuft of feathers protruding from the head.
Region
Northeast Asia
Typical Environment
Historically recorded from the Korean Peninsula, with possible breeding in northeastern China and the Russian Far East and wintering further south, including coastal Korea and possibly Japan. It favored lowland freshwater and brackish wetlands, such as broad rivers, oxbow lakes, and estuaries. Tidal mudflats, sheltered bays, and river deltas were likely important feeding areas. Current distribution is unknown, with no recent confirmed records despite targeted surveys.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1000 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also called the Korean crested shelduck, this enigmatic duck is known from very few specimens and a handful of historical records. It is listed as Critically Endangered and may already be extinct, with modern searches yielding no confirmed sightings. Much of what is known about its appearance comes from museum skins and early 20th‑century descriptions. Both sexes bear a distinctive green crest, highly unusual among shelducks.
Diagram depicting male and female plumage
Sea of Japan, where most reports of the crested shelduck come from
Painting by Joseph Smit
Temperament
wary and secretive
Flight Pattern
strong flier with rapid wingbeats, typically low over water
Social Behavior
Likely forms monogamous pairs during the breeding season and small groups or loose flocks in winter, similar to other shelducks. Nesting was probably near rivers or lakes, possibly in cavities, bank holes, or dense vegetation. Courtship behavior is undocumented but presumed to include head-bobbing displays typical of Tadorna.
Migratory Pattern
Seasonal migrant
Song Description
Poorly documented; presumed to give soft whistles and nasal honks typical of shelducks. Vocalizations are likely infrequent outside the breeding season.
