Unlike most Australian ducks, this species rarely swims and is more often seen wading along muddy shorelines.
Not listed
Indigenous: Radjah Shelduck, Burdekin Duck, White-Headed Shelduck, White-Headed Sheldrake
At a glance
FamilyDucks, Geese, and Waterfowl
SizeLarge
RarityCommon
HabitatTypically found on and around wetlands, rivers and sewage ponds, including mangroves.
Best timeMost reliable in Northern Territory from July to October.
Sounds
Sound sampleRecorded by James Lambert
Range map
Range map
200approx hotspots
44265approx records
4states
Low confidenceMediumHigh confidence
Aggregated occurance data is sourced from 14 different actively-updating datasets including eBird Australia, iNaturalist Australia, BirdLife Australia, and multiple state-based bird surveys through Atlas of Living Australia.
Species notes
Overview
Note narrow dark breast-band.
Behavior
Typically found on and around wetlands, rivers and sewage ponds, including mangroves.
Gallery
Regional timing
Northern Territory
Queensland
Western Australia
New South Wales
Victoria