Shelduck

Shelduck, large, surface-feeding duck, sometimes called a sheldrake. The common shelduck and the several other species of shelducks are widely found in temperate and tropical regions of Europe, Asia, and Africa, both north and south of the equator. The shelduck’s bill is short and thick, sometimes with a knob at the base in the male. They have long legs, a spurlike bony knob at the bend of each wing, and a striking plumage pattern of bright colors in both sexes. With the exception of the radjah shelduck of New Guinea, which nests in holes in trees, all shelducks nest in burrows. Most of them feed on grass and water plants, but a few also eat mollusks, crustaceans, and other marine life.

Scientific classification: The shelduck is a member of the family Anatidae. The common shelduck is classified as Tadorna tadorna. The radjah shelduck is classified as Tadorna radjah.