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Shelducks
Female common shelduck
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Anseriformes
Family: Anatidae
Subfamily: Tadorninae
Genus: Tadorna
F. Boie, 1822
Type species
Anas familiaris[1] = Anas tadorna
Boie, 1822
Species

T. ferruginea
T. cana
T. tadornoides
T. variegata
T. cristata
T. tadorna

Synonyms

see text

The shelducks, most species of which are found in the genus Tadorna (except for the Radjah shelduck, which is now found in its own monotypic genus Radjah), are a group of large birds in the Tadornini tribe of the Anatidae, the biological family that includes the ducks and most duck-like waterfowl such as the geese and swans.

Biology

[edit]

Shelducks are a group of large, often semi-terrestrial waterfowl, which can be seen as intermediate between geese (Anserinae) and ducks[citation needed]. They are mid-sized (some 50–60 cm) Old World waterfowl. The sexes are colored slightly differently in most species, and all have a characteristic upperwing coloration in flight: the tertiary remiges form a green speculum, the secondaries and primaries are black, and the coverts (forewing) are white. Their diet consists of small shore animals (winkles, crabs etc.) as well as grasses and other plants.

They were originally known as "sheldrakes", which remained the most common name until the late 19th century.[2] They were also called vulpanser or burrow-duck.[3] The word "sheldrake" is still sometimes used to refer to a male shelduck and can also occasionally refer to the canvasback (Aythya valisineria) of North America.[4]

Systematics

[edit]

The genus Tadorna was introduced by the German zoologist Friedrich Boie in 1822.[5][6] The type species is the common shelduck.[6] The genus name comes from the French name Tadorne for the common shelduck.[7] It may originally derive from Celtic roots meaning "pied waterfowl", essentially the same as the English "shelduck".[8] A group of them is called a "dopping," taken from the Harley Manuscript.[9]

The namesake genus of the Tadorninae, Tadorna is very close to the Egyptian goose and its extinct relatives from the Madagascar region, Alopochen. While the classical shelducks form a group that is obviously monophyletic, the interrelationships of these, the aberrant common and especially Radjah sheducks, and the Egyptian goose were found to be poorly resolved by mtDNA cytochrome b sequence data;[10] this genus may thus be paraphyletic.

The Radjah sheduck, formerly placed in the genus Tadorna, is now placed in its own monotypic genus:

Fossil bones from Dorkovo (Bulgaria) described as Balcanas pliocaenica may actually belong to this genus. They have even been proposed to be referable to the common shelduck, but their Early Pliocene age makes this rather unlikely.[citation needed]

Phylogeny

[edit]

Based on the Taxonomy in Flux from John Boyd's website.[11]

Tadornina

Radjah radjah (Lesson 1828) Reichenbach 1852 (Radjah shelduck)

Alopochen Stejneger 1885

Tadorna

?†T. cristata (Kuroda 1917) (Crested shelduck)

T. tadorna (Linnaeus 1758) (Common shelduck)

T. cana (Gmelin 1789) (South African shelduck)

T. ferruginea (Pallas 1764) (Ruddy shelduck)

T. tadornoides (Jardine & Selby 1828) (Australian shelduck)

T. variegata (Gmelin 1789) (Paradise shelduck)

Table of species

[edit]

The following table is based on the HBW and BirdLife International Illustrated Checklist of the Birds of the World.[12][13]

Genus Tadorna – F. Boie, 1822 – five species
Common name Scientific name and subspecies Range Size and ecology IUCN status and estimated population
Common shelduck


Male

{{{image2-alt}}}
Female

Tadorna tadorna
(Linnaeus, 1758) 		Europe, Asia, N. Africa
Map of range 		Size:

Habitat:

Diet: 		 LC 


Ruddy shelduck


Male

{{{image2-alt}}}
Female

Tadorna ferruginea
(Pallas, 1764) 		Europe, Asia, N. Africa
Map of range 		Size:

Habitat:

Diet: 		 LC 


South African shelduck


Male

{{{image2-alt}}}
Female

Tadorna cana
(Gmelin, JF, 1789) 		Namibia, Botswana, South Africa Size:

Habitat:

Diet: 		 LC 


Australian shelduck


Male

{{{image2-alt}}}
Female

Tadorna tadornoides
(Jardine & Selby, 1828) 		Australia, New Zealand
Map of range 		Size:

Habitat:

Diet: 		 LC 


Paradise shelduck


Male

{{{image2-alt}}}
Female

Tadorna variegata
(Gmelin, 1789) 		New Zealand
Map of range 		Size:

Habitat:

Diet: 		 LC 


Crested shelduck

 Tadorna cristata
(Kuroda, 1917) 		Eastern Russia, East Asia
Map of range 		Size:

Habitat:

Diet: 		 CR 



References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Tadorna

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Tadorna is a genus of shelducks in the family Anatidae, comprising six species, one of which (the crested shelduck) is critically endangered and possibly extinct, of large, semi-terrestrial waterfowl that exhibit a morphology intermediate between ducks and geese, often featuring striking pied or colorful plumage. These birds, native to Eurasia, Africa, and Australasia, including Australia and New Zealand, are typically found in coastal regions, wetlands, estuaries, and open grasslands where they forage for invertebrates, seeds, and vegetation. The genus name Tadorna derives from Celtic roots meaning "pied waterfowl," reflecting their characteristic black-and-white or multicolored patterns. The species within Tadorna include the (T. tadorna), widespread across temperate ; the (T. ferruginea), known for its orange-brown plumage and ranging from to ; the South African shelduck (T. cana), endemic to ; the Australian shelduck (T. tadornoides), inhabiting , including ; the paradise shelduck (T. variegata), native to ; and the (T. cristata), which is critically endangered and possibly extinct, last reliably sighted in 1964 in , with unconfirmed sightings reported since then, including in and , though none verified as of 2025. Shelducks in this genus are generally monogamous, with strong pair bonds, and often nest in tree cavities or burrows, displaying notable where females incubate eggs while males guard the vicinity. Their semi-terrestrial lifestyle sets them apart from typical ducks, as they frequently graze on land like geese. Phylogenetically, Tadorna belongs to the tribe Tadornini within , and molecular studies suggest it forms a monophyletic group closely related to the Egyptian goose (Alopochen aegyptiaca), though interspecies relationships remain under investigation. Conservation concerns vary by species; while most are of least concern, the faces extinction risks due to habitat loss and , highlighting the need for ongoing monitoring in their native ranges.

Description

Physical characteristics

Tadorna shelducks are medium to large waterfowl, with species typically measuring 55–72 cm in length, wingspans of 94–145 cm, and body weights ranging from 0.8 to 2.1 kg. A defining shared plumage feature across the genus is the colorful upperwing pattern, featuring an iridescent green speculum formed by the secondaries, black flight feathers (primaries and tertials), and contrasting white greater coverts that are prominent in flight. Many species display pied patterns incorporating black, white, and chestnut markings on the body, head, and neck, contributing to their distinctive appearance. Sexual dimorphism is evident in most Tadorna species, with males generally possessing brighter and more contrasting plumage than females; for example, in the common shelduck (Tadorna tadorna), males often feature a prominent knob at the bill base and more vivid chestnut bands, while females are duller overall. Bill coloration varies but is often bright red in several species, paired with pink legs and brown eyes; juveniles differ markedly from adults, exhibiting duller, greyish-brown upperparts, paler underparts, and less defined markings without the full adult coloration intensity.

Vocalizations

Shelducks of the genus Tadorna produce a variety of vocalizations that serve functions in communication, including territorial defense, pair bonding, and distress signaling, with marked across species. Males typically emit clear, whistling calls, while females produce harsher, quacking or honking sounds; these differences arise during vocal development, where juvenile calls diverge into sex-specific adult repertoires by around 80 days in the (T. tadorna). In the , the primary male call consists of soft, melodious, high-pitched whistles, often delivered in series during social interactions or flight, resembling a repeated "whee-oo" or "tyu-tyu." Females counter with hoarse, rolling quacks that develop directly from juvenile peeps into low-pitched, noisy utterances by early adulthood. Alarm and contact calls include high-pitched, disyllabic whistles for distress, particularly from females and young, while softer, nasal variants facilitate pair bonding and maintain proximity within family groups. Display vocalizations are prominent during , where males perform the whistle-shake, an epigamic involving rapid head shaking accompanied by a whirring, tonal to attract females or signal dominance. This call can be induced hormonally in females, underscoring its role in sexual signaling, though it remains less frequent and intense in non-males. The , a specialized vocal organ, enables these resonant tones, tying into the birds' overall morphology for effective sound projection over water. Vocalizations vary across the , reflecting ecological adaptations; for instance, the Australian shelduck (T. tadornoides) features more nasal, honking calls in both sexes, with males producing low-pitched trumpets and females higher-pitched variants, aiding communication in open Australian wetlands. In the (T. ferruginea), calls are goose-like and nasal, with males giving rhythmic "ho-ho-ho" honks and females "ka-ha-ha" quacks, often louder for long-distance signaling in arid habitats. The South African shelduck (T. cana) incorporates guttural, trumpet-like elements in its calls, emphasizing distress whistles in young for parental response. These differences highlight how Tadorna vocal traits evolve for species-specific contexts, such as breeding site defense.

Taxonomy and Systematics

Etymology

The genus name Tadorna was introduced in 1822 by the German zoologist Friedrich Boie, with the (Tadorna tadorna) designated as the . The name derives from the French term "tadorne," used for the since at least the by naturalist Pierre Belon, and likely originates from Celtic roots signifying "pied waterfowl," alluding to the birds' distinctive variegated . The common English name "shelduck" emerged in the early as a variant of the older "sheldrake," which dates to the 14th century from "sheld" (meaning parti-colored or variegated, akin to "schillede") combined with "drake" (male ). This terminology reflects the shelducks' pied coloration rather than any shield-like wing feature. The shift from "sheldrake" to "shelduck" occurred to distinguish the genus from true and avoid confusion with other sometimes called sheldrakes, such as the .

Phylogenetic relationships

The genus Tadorna belongs to the tribe Tadornini within the subfamily of the family , encompassing shelducks and related taxa such as sheldgeese. This placement reflects its affinities with other "perching ducks," a informal group of arboreal-nesting waterfowl that diverged from core dabbling duck lineages (Anatini) approximately 10–15 million years ago during the . Phylogenetic analyses have raised questions about the monophyly of Tadorna, suggesting it may be paraphyletic. Molecular studies indicate that Tadorna species form a more closely related to the genus Alopochen (including the Egyptian goose, Alopochen aegyptiaca) than to the Radjah shelduck (Tadorna radjah), which has been reclassified into its own monotypic genus Radjah due to these distant affinities. This pattern implies that Alopochen could be incorporated into an expanded Tadorna or that further taxonomic revisions are needed to reflect the true evolutionary history. Supporting evidence comes from mitochondrial DNA analyses, including the cytochrome b gene, which reveal close ties between Tadorna and Alopochen within Tadornini but also highlight an unresolved polytomy among Tadorna species, indicating rapid diversification or insufficient phylogenetic signal for resolution. More recent multi-gene studies using cytochrome b (Cytb), cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI), and NADH dehydrogenase subunit 2 (ND2) confirm this polytomy and the paraphyly, with Tadorna embedding Alopochen while excluding Radjah. These findings underscore the challenges in delineating generic boundaries in Tadornini, potentially influenced by hybridization or convergent adaptations to similar habitats. The fossil record provides limited but intriguing insights into Tadorna's evolutionary history. Uncertain Pliocene remains, such as the humerus described as Balcanas pliocaenica from the Early (MN 14 zone) site at Dorkovo, Bulgaria, may represent an early member or close relative of Tadorna, though its attribution remains tentative due to fragmentary material and the antiquity predating modern species divergence. Additional Miocene fossils tentatively linked to Tadornini, dating to 17–15 million years ago, align with molecular estimates of the tribe's origin and support Tadorna's deep roots in Eurasian waterfowl . More recently, in 2025, a new extinct species, Tadorna rekohu, was described from subfossil remains in the Rēkohu (), , representing an insular relative of the paradise shelduck (T. variegata) that became extinct prior to the 19th century due to human activities.

Extant species

The genus Tadorna comprises six extant of shelducks, characterized by their goose-like appearance and perching habits, distributed across , , and . These species are monotypic, with no recognized subspecies, though some exhibit minor geographic variations in tone.
Scientific NameCommon NameIUCN StatusSynonymsKey Identifiers
T. ferrugineaLeast ConcernCasarca ferrugineaChestnut- with white wing panels and black flight feathers; males have a narrow black .
T. canaSouth African shelduckLeast ConcernCasarca cana, Tadorna canaGlossy black head and upper neck, white body, and back and flanks; pinkish-red bill in both sexes.
T. tadornoidesLeast ConcernCasarca tadornoidesDarker overall than the , with chestnut collar, white neck, and green-black head in males.
T. variegataLeast ConcernCasarca variegataStriking : males have glossy green-black head and white body, females mostly with white underparts.
T. cristataCritically EndangeredNoneProminent erectile crest on the head, glossy green-black in males with white and ; females duller with shorter crest.
T. tadornaLeast Concern tadornaWhite body with chestnut upperparts and green head; broad black wing coverts and red bill with knob in males.
The (T. ferruginea) is distinguished by its warm coloration, which provides in arid landscapes, and its long, pointed wings adapted for migratory flights across . In contrast, the South African shelduck (T. cana) features a bold black-and-white pattern accented by elements, with both sexes sharing similar , a trait uncommon among shelducks. The Australian shelduck (T. tadornoides) exhibits a more subdued, earthy palette with a prominent white neck stripe, reflecting its adaptation to open grasslands in and . Unique to the (T. variegata) is its pronounced sexual dichromatism, where males display iridescent black-and-white plumage while females are predominantly brown, aiding in pair bonding and territorial displays in New Zealand's wetlands. The (T. cristata), potentially the rarest, is notable for its namesake forward-curving crest, which is more developed in males and used in rituals; unconfirmed sightings suggest possible persistence in remote East Asian river valleys. Finally, the (T. tadorna) showcases a classic shelduck profile with its contrasting white underbody and dark upperparts, enabling effective during breeding in coastal and Asia.

Distribution and Habitat

Geographic range

The genus Tadorna encompasses shelducks primarily distributed across the , spanning , , , and , with no native populations in the or the . The crested shelduck (T. cristata) historically occurred in , including (Primorye), (Hokkaido), and the Korean Peninsula, with possible records from ; it is critically endangered and possibly extinct, with the last reliable sightings in the . The (Tadorna tadorna) has the broadest range among the , breeding from (including the , , and ) eastward through to northeastern and , with an extent of occurrence exceeding 31 million km². In winter, it extends southward to northern (such as and ), the ( and ), and southern ( and ). This species is widespread in the Euro-Siberian region of the Palearctic, with breeding populations also noted in , , and . The (Tadorna ferruginea) occupies a similarly extensive area of over 43 million km², breeding from (, , and ) across (, , and ) to and , and extending into northern ( and ). Wintering grounds include , the ( and ), and parts of ( and ). Overlap zones occur in , where its range intersects with that of the in regions like and . In , the South African shelduck (Tadorna cana) is confined to an extent of occurrence of about 2.16 million km², breeding primarily in and , with smaller populations in and . The also reaches this continent, with breeding records in and adjacent areas, creating limited overlap in . Australasian species include the Australian shelduck (Tadorna tadornoides), native to southwestern and southeastern (including ), with an extent of occurrence around 12.3 million km², and self-introduced populations established in since the early . The paradise shelduck (Tadorna variegata) is endemic to , distributed across both the North and Islands with an extent of occurrence of 670,000 km², and occurs as a vagrant in southeastern .

Preferred habitats

Tadorna shelducks exhibit a semi-terrestrial , favoring a mix of aquatic and terrestrial environments that provide both opportunities and shelter. They commonly inhabit coastal estuaries, saltmarshes, inland wetlands, and open grasslands, where the proximity of to vegetated or bare ground supports their dual reliance on aquatic and terrestrial resources. This adaptability allows them to thrive in diverse ecological niches, from temperate to arid regions, often in areas with low vegetation cover that facilitates visibility and escape from predators. These birds show a strong preference for shallow water bodies such as lakes, rivers, and extensive mudflats, which are ideal for their dabbling . Brackish and saline waters are particularly favored by several species, including the (T. tadorna) and (T. ferruginea), enabling them to exploit nutrient-rich coastal and inland systems. In contrast, species like the South African shelduck (T. cana) utilize permanent shallow freshwater lakes and river pools, while the Australian shelduck (T. tadornoides) and (T. variegata) extend into freshwater swamps and agricultural grasslands adjacent to estuaries. This selection of habitats underscores their versatility in water depth and , prioritizing areas with soft substrates for feeding. Physiological adaptations enhance their suitability for these environments, including a notable tolerance for brackish and saline conditions that allows grazing on saline pastures and mudflats without osmotic stress. This enables efficient exploitation of and in otherwise challenging habitats, such as saltmarshes and ephemeral wetlands, contributing to their resilience in variable climates. Foraging within these preferred habitats often involves on grasses and probing mud for , integrating their semi-terrestrial habits seamlessly.

Behavior and Ecology

Foraging and diet

Tadorna shelducks have an omnivorous diet that varies by species. Many, such as the common shelduck (T. tadorna) and ruddy shelduck (T. ferruginea), primarily consume invertebrates such as mollusks (e.g., Hydrobia ulvae and bivalves like Macoma balthica), crustaceans (e.g., amphipods like Corophium volutator), and insects, supplemented by plant matter including grasses, seeds (e.g., Salicornia sp.), and algae (e.g., Enteromorpha). In contrast, the South African shelduck (T. cana) is mainly vegetarian, feeding on seeds of crops such as maize and sorghum. The paradise shelduck (T. variegata) forages on grasses, herbs, and aquatic invertebrates in pastures and wetlands. Across the genus, species like the common shelduck (T. tadorna) and ruddy shelduck (T. ferruginea) show a preference for small aquatic invertebrates, with Hydrobia comprising up to 95% of dry mass in some populations, though plant consumption varies by availability. Foraging methods in Tadorna vary by species and habitat. Coastal species such as the common shelduck (T. tadorna) are adapted to shallow waters and intertidal zones, involving dabbling and sieving in shallows to filter mud for prey, upending occasionally in deeper water (less than 25 cm), and grazing on terrestrial vegetation such as grasses during low tides or on land. Scything—the rapid side-to-side sweeping of the bill through soft sediment—is a dominant technique for capturing mobile prey like snails and amphipods in these species, while head-dipping targets surface-dwelling items; diving is rare compared to true ducks in the Anatidae family. In contrast, the South African shelduck (T. cana) forages mainly on land in harvested crop fields, grazing on seeds. These opportunistic feeders allocate 60–70% of diurnal time to foraging, adjusting techniques based on tidal cycles and prey behavior. In species with diets including invertebrates, such as the common shelduck (T. tadorna) and ruddy shelduck (T. ferruginea), seasonal dietary shifts occur, with a higher proportion of animal prey, particularly polychaetes (Nereis sp.) and larger crustaceans, during the breeding season (spring–summer) to meet protein demands, while post-breeding and winter periods emphasize plant material like seeds and algae for energy. For instance, in T. tadorna, Hydrobia remains year-round staple but is supplemented by increased invertebrate diversity in summer, reflecting prey spawning cycles.

Reproduction and breeding

Tadorna shelducks typically form monogamous pairs that maintain bonds for multiple breeding seasons, with pairing often occurring in winter flocks prior to the breeding period. Breeding is seasonal and aligns with environmental conditions favorable for nesting and foraging, generally commencing in spring for temperate-zone such as the (T. tadorna), where egg-laying begins in late April, and in early austral winter (May to September) for like the South African shelduck (T. cana). The breeds in winter (May–August), with clutch sizes of 6–12 eggs incubated for about 30 days. In tropical or subtropical populations, such as the ruddy shelduck (T. ferruginea), laying starts as early as February in southern ranges or mid-April in northern ones. Nesting occurs in a variety of concealed sites, including ground burrows (often excavated by other animals like aardvarks or rabbits), tree cavities, rock crevices, or even man-made structures, with the nest chamber lined with material and down for insulation. Clutch sizes average 8–12 eggs across , though they can range up to 15 in some cases; for instance, the lays an average of 10 eggs, while the Australian shelduck (T. tadornoides) typically produces 10–14. Eggs are laid at intervals of about one per day, and larger clutches may occasionally result from conspecific , where additional females deposit eggs in a host nest. Incubation lasts 30–35 days and is performed almost exclusively by the , who covers the eggs with down when leaving the nest to ; the remains nearby to guard the site and deter intruders. Hatching is typically asynchronous over several days due to the staggered laying, producing precocial young that are mobile shortly after emerging and capable of following parents to water. Chicks are cared for by both parents initially, with the family unit moving from the nest to the nearest —sometimes several kilometers away—where the young begin feeding independently under parental supervision. High chick mortality from predation is common, particularly in the early post-hatching phase, though survival improves as broods often merge into larger crèches supervised by multiple adults, a observed in like the common and Australian shelducks. Fledging occurs after 6–8 weeks, with young becoming independent around 10–12 weeks post-hatching. Breeding success varies widely by species and location, influenced by site fidelity from long-term pair bonds and environmental factors like habitat availability; for example, common shelduck success rates ranged from 16% to 49% in studied populations, with most individuals first breeding in their second year and limited re-nesting after failure. In adaptable species like the ruddy shelduck, utilization of artificial sites enhances productivity, though threats such as predation can reduce outcomes.

Social behavior and migration

Tadorna shelducks exhibit monogamous pair bonds that are often long-lasting or permanent, with breeding pairs establishing and defending territories around nesting and sites. These territories, typically spanning about 1 , allow pairs to secure resources while minimizing interference from conspecifics. Following successful breeding, females lead their ducklings to coastal or estuarine areas where post-breeding creches form; these communal groups can include over 100 ducklings supervised by multiple adults, including the biological parents and non-breeding helpers, which enhances chick survival through collective vigilance against predators. Courtship and agonistic displays in Tadorna involve distinctive visual and auditory signals to reinforce pair bonds or deter rivals. Males perform head-pumping, a rhythmic bobbing of the head and accompanied by calls, during precopulatory sequences to solicit responses. In aggressive encounters, individuals spread their wings partially while fanning the tail and elevating the head and bill, often combining these postures with threat calls to establish dominance within flocks or territories. Migration patterns vary across Tadorna species, with many acting as partial migrants influenced by breeding success and resource availability. The (T. tadorna) undertakes seasonal movements from Eurasian breeding grounds to wintering sites in , such as and , where birds congregate in large flocks numbering in the thousands on mudflats and estuaries. In contrast, the Australian shelduck (T. tadornoides) displays nomadic tendencies, dispersing widely across southeastern in response to rainfall and conditions, often forming post-breeding flocks of up to 2,000 individuals. Interspecific interactions among Tadorna shelducks occasionally include hybridization events, particularly in areas of range overlap. For instance, the (T. ferruginea) has hybridized with the Egyptian goose ( aegyptiaca) in captivity and potentially , producing viable with intermediate traits. Little is known of the crested shelduck's behaviors due to its rarity.

Conservation

Overall threats

Populations of the genus face multiple anthropogenic and environmental pressures that threaten their -dependent lifestyles across breeding, , and migratory ranges. loss represents a primary threat, driven by the drainage of wetlands for , water extraction for , and coastal development including schemes and urban expansion. These activities degrade essential breeding and sites, such as salt marshes and estuaries, which are critical for the genus's semi-aquatic habits. For instance, in and , ongoing wetland conversion has reduced available coastal habitats relied upon by species like the (Tadorna tadorna) and ruddy shelduck (T. ferruginea). Hunting and persecution further exacerbate declines, with historical and ongoing practices including recreational and commercial , as well as egg collection in regions like and . Tadorna are often targeted due to their visibility and perceived status as agricultural pests, leading to elevated mortality rates during migration and wintering periods. Lead poisoning from ingested shot adds to this risk, particularly in hunted wetlands where residues contaminate foraging areas and cause sublethal effects like impaired . Pollution from agricultural runoff introduces contaminants that diminish food sources such as and plant matter, while and pesticides accumulate in sediments of coastal and inland wetlands. Climate change compounds these issues by altering migration timing through shifting seasonal temperatures and precipitation, potentially desynchronizing breeding with food availability, and by raising sea levels that erode low-lying coastal habitats essential for nesting. Invasive species pose additional risks through predation and competition, with introduced mammals like the (Neovison vison) preying on eggs and ducklings in European breeding grounds, and stoats (Mustela erminea) threatening populations in . Hybridization with non-native congeners, such as between ruddy and South African shelducks (T. cana), further dilutes genetic integrity in overlapping ranges.

Species-specific status

The genus Tadorna encompasses six extant species, five of which are assessed as Least Concern by the , reflecting relatively secure populations across diverse habitats in , , , and . The (T. tadorna) has an estimated global population of 415,000–500,000 mature individuals and is considered increasing overall, benefiting from habitat enhancements in . Similarly, the (T. ferruginea) numbers 134,000–198,000 mature individuals, with an increasing trend driven by expansions in , though regional declines occur in parts of due to hunting pressure. The Australian shelduck (T. tadornoides) supports 101,000–827,000 mature individuals and is suspected to be increasing, supported by agricultural creation in . The (T. variegata), endemic to , maintains a stable population of 100,000–120,000 mature individuals, with conservation efforts including regulated hunting seasons and protection within key reserves such as those managed by the Department of Conservation to mitigate agricultural impacts. The South African shelduck (T. cana) has an estimated 20,000 mature individuals and is decreasing slightly over recent generations, primarily due to , though it benefits from inclusion in international agreements like the CMS Appendix II and monitoring via the International Waterbird Census. In stark contrast, the (T. cristata) is classified as Critically Endangered, with a population estimated at 1–49 mature individuals based on unconfirmed sightings, and its trend unknown since the last verified record in 1964. This faces ongoing declines attributed to historical loss from and unregulated hunting in , with conservation actions limited to periodic publicity campaigns and targeted surveys at potential sites in , , and under CMS Appendix II, though no successful reintroductions or programs have been established to date.

References

  1. https://palaeo-electronica.org/content/pdfs/534.pdf
  2. https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/7070-Tadorna-tadornoides
  3. https://avibase.bsc-eoc.org/species.jsp?avibaseid=5EAB32D3007896F3
  4. https://avibase.bsc-eoc.org/species.jsp?avibaseid=FF1439E472DBFDC1
  5. https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/crested-shelduck-tadorna-cristata
  6. https://earthlife.net/shelducks/
  7. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/j.1474-919X.1997.tb04504.x
  8. https://planetofbirds.com/anseriformes-anatidae-australian-shelduck-tadorna-tadornoides/
  9. https://animalia.bio/paradise-shelduck/1000
  10. https://avibirds.com/ruddy-shelduck/
  11. https://birdsoftheworld.org/bow/species/parshe1/cur/introduction
  12. https://australian.museum/learn/animals/birds/australian-shelduck/
  13. https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/shelduck
  14. https://www.ebsco.com/research-starters/environmental-sciences/common-shelduck
  15. https://luontoportti.com/en/t/771
  16. https://planetofbirds.com/anseriformes-anatidae-shelduck-tadorna-tadorna/
  17. https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1012&context=bioscihandwaterfowl
  18. https://birdsoftheworld.org/bow/species/comshe/cur/sounds
  19. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/09524622.2001.9753467
  20. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0003347297905911
  21. https://birdsoftheworld.org/bow/species/rudshe/cur/sounds
  22. https://birdsoftheworld.org/bow/species/soashe1/cur/sounds
  23. https://hanvandegraaf.nl/bird-information/common-shelduck/?lang=en
  24. https://www.scientificlib.com/en/Biology/Animalia/Chordata/Aves/TadornaTadorna01.html
  25. https://www.etymonline.com/word/sheldrake
  26. https://ielc.libguides.com/sdzg/factsheets/radjah-shelduck/taxonomy
  27. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/387931438_Phylogenetic_Relationships_of_Taxa_in_The_Anatidae_Family_Using_Three_Mitochondrial_Gene_Sequences
  28. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/344329388_Cenozoic_Evolution_of_Eurasian_Anatids_Aves_Anatidae_s_l
  29. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/301215278_Fossil_birds_of_Dorkovo_-_an_Early_Pliocene_site_in_the_Rhodope_Mts_Southern_Bulgaria
  30. https://academic.oup.com/zoolinnean/article/204/3/zlaf069/8212055
  31. https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/ruddy-shelduck-tadorna-ferruginea
  32. https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/south-african-shelduck-tadorna-cana
  33. https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/australian-shelduck-tadorna-tadornoides
  34. https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/paradise-shelduck-tadorna-variegata
  35. https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/common-shelduck-tadorna-tadorna
  36. https://birdsoftheworld.org/bow/species/creshe1/cur/introduction
  37. https://collections.museumsvictoria.com.au/species/4209
  38. https://birdsoftheworld.org/bow/species/rudshe/cur/habitat
  39. https://seaworld.org/animals/facts/birds/australian-shelduck/
  40. https://wildfowl.wwt.org.uk/index.php/wildfowl/article/view/1239
  41. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/230113402_The_food_and_feeding_habits_of_Shelduck_Tadorna_tadorna
  42. https://birdsoftheworld.org/bow/species/soashe1/cur/foodhabits
  43. https://birdsoftheworld.org/bow/species/parshe1/cur/foodhabits
  44. https://birdsoftheworld.org/bow/species/rudshe/cur/foodhabits
  45. https://zslpublications.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/j.1474-919X.1965.tb07335.x
  46. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1474-919X.1964.tb03714.x
  47. https://doi.org/10.2173/bow.soashe1.02
  48. https://australian.museum/learn/animals/birds/paradise-shelduck/
  49. https://doi.org/10.2173/bow.rudshe.04
  50. https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/context/biosciducksgeeseswans/article/1000/viewcontent/DGS_World_OPTIMUS.pdf
  51. https://www.jstor.org/stable/4081268
  52. https://www.jstor.org/stable/4535377
  53. https://birdsoftheworld.org/bow/species/rudshe/cur/behavior
  54. https://www.iasregulation.be/377/download
  55. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0273230019301242
  56. https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5d5e6fce40f0b6706c1a44ed/BTO_2019_Review_of_the_migratory_movements_of_Shelduck.pdf
  57. https://birdsoftheworld.org/bow/species/soashe1/cur/conservation
  58. https://www.paradisev.co.nz/birds/duck/
  59. https://www.iucnredlist.org
  60. https://www.doc.govt.nz/nature/native-animals/birds/birds-a-z/paradise-duck-putakitaki/
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