Amurfalcon (talk | contribs) (Taxonomy) |
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==Taxonomy== | ==Taxonomy== | ||
This bird is placed in the genus ''Tadorna'', it differs markedly in external morphology, and mtDNA cytochrome b sequence data (Sraml et al. 1996) suggests its status should be reinvestigated. | This bird is placed in the genus ''Tadorna'', it differs markedly in external morphology, and mtDNA cytochrome b sequence data (Sraml et al. 1996) suggests its status should be reinvestigated. | ||
+ | |||
+ | There are two subspecies<sup>[[#References|1]]</sup> | ||
+ | *''T. r. radjah'' | ||
+ | **Moluccas to [[New Guinea]] | ||
+ | *''T. r. rufitergum'' | ||
+ | **Northern and eastern coastal [[Australia]] | ||
==Habitat== | ==Habitat== | ||
Mangrove forests and coastline | Mangrove forests and coastline | ||
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Its nesting materials is self-supplied down feathers. Egg-laying is usually done by May or June; the clutches range from 6 to 12 eggs. Incubation time is about 30 days. | Its nesting materials is self-supplied down feathers. Egg-laying is usually done by May or June; the clutches range from 6 to 12 eggs. Incubation time is about 30 days. | ||
− | + | ==References== | |
+ | #{{Ref-Clements6thDec08}} | ||
==External Links== | ==External Links== |
Revision as of 23:05, 7 September 2009
Alternative name: Burdekin Duck
- Tadorna radjah
Identification
Both the male and female are mostly white, with dark wingtips and a distinctive "collar" of dark feathers. These birds have green bands on the tops of their wings. The female has a harsh rattle and the male has a whistle.
The Radjah Shelduck is listed as a protected bird in all states of Australia
Distribution
New Guinea and Australia
Taxonomy
This bird is placed in the genus Tadorna, it differs markedly in external morphology, and mtDNA cytochrome b sequence data (Sraml et al. 1996) suggests its status should be reinvestigated.
There are two subspecies1
- T. r. radjah
- Moluccas to New Guinea
- T. r. rufitergum
- Northern and eastern coastal Australia
Habitat
Mangrove forests and coastline
Behaviour
The Radjah Shelduck forms long-term pair-bonds, and is usually encountered in lone pairs or small flocks. During the wet season the males commonly become very irritable, and have been observed attacking their mates. Diet: molluscs, insects, sedge materials and algae.
Nesting: Pairs start searching for nesting sites during the months of January and February. They nest close to their primary food source.
Its nesting materials is self-supplied down feathers. Egg-laying is usually done by May or June; the clutches range from 6 to 12 eggs. Incubation time is about 30 days.
References
- Clements, JF. 2008. The Clements Checklist of Birds of the World. 6th ed., with updates to December 2008. Ithaca: Cornell Univ. Press. ISBN 978-0801445019.