Shelduck

Shelducks are captivating birds belonging to the Tadorninae subfamily, which is part of the larger Anatidae family, also encompassing ducks, geese, and swans. Most shelducks are categorized under the genus Tadorna. These birds are mid-sized waterfowl, exhibiting characteristics that fall between those of ducks and geese. Notably, their distinctive upper wing coloration is particularly striking during flight. In terms of diet, shelducks consume a mix of small shore animals, grasses, and various plants.

Historically, shelducks have sometimes been referred to as "sheldrakes" but "shelduck" is now the more commonly used term. The name Tadorna is derived from the French word "Tadorne" which is what they call the common shelduck. Shelducks are closely related to the Egyptian goose and share ancestry with some now-extinct relatives from Madagascar. The Tadorna genus includes several species such as the Ruddy shelduck, South African shelduck, Australian shelduck, Paradise shelduck, Common shelduck, and possibly the Crested shelduck.

Interestingly, the Radjah shelduck, once grouped within the Tadorna genus, is now classified in its own monotypic genus. Additionally, fossil bones discovered in Bulgaria, named Balcanas pliocaenica, may belong to the shelduck family. Ongoing research into shelduck phylogeny aims to elucidate their evolutionary relationships more clearly.