Australian Shellduck

Birds·March 8, 2026

Bird

Tadorna tadornoides

Habitat: Open wetlands, large lakes, farm dams, salt marshes, and grassy pastures.
Diet: Omnivorous, grazing on grasses, seeds, and aquatic plants, as well as eating insects and mollusks.
Conservation Status: Least Concern
Date Taken: March 8, 2026

The female is distinguished by a white ring around its eye and a white patch at the base of the bill.
They are large, goose-like ducks that are often seen in pairs or large molting flocks.
They nest in large tree hollows, sometimes quite far from water.
Their call is a loud, resonant honk often heard while they are in flight.

6000 × 4000