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[[New Guinea]] and [[Australia]] | [[New Guinea]] and [[Australia]] | ||
==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. |
==Habitat== | ==Habitat== | ||
Mangrove forests and coastline | Mangrove forests and coastline | ||
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{{GSearch|Tadorna+radjah}} | {{GSearch|Tadorna+radjah}} | ||
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[[Category:Birds]] | [[Category:Birds]] | ||
Revision as of 17:42, 1 November 2008
- Tadorna radjah
Also known as the Burdekin Duck
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.
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.
