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==Identification== | ==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. | + | 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.<sup>[[#References|[2]]]</sup> |
| − | The Radjah Shelduck is listed as a protected bird in all states of Australia | + | The Radjah Shelduck is listed as a protected bird in all states of Australia <sup>[[#References|[2]]]</sup> |
==Distribution== | ==Distribution== | ||
[[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.<sup>[[#References|[2]]]</sup> |
There are two subspecies<sup>[[#References|1]]</sup> | There are two subspecies<sup>[[#References|1]]</sup> | ||
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Mangrove forests and coastline | Mangrove forests and coastline | ||
==Behaviour== | ==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. | + | 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.<sup>[[#References|[2]]]</sup> |
| + | |||
Diet: molluscs, insects, sedge materials and algae. | 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. | + | Nesting: Pairs start searching for nesting sites during the months of January and February. They nest close to their primary food source.<sup>[[#References|[2]]]</sup> |
| − | 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.<sup>[[#References|[2]]]</sup> |
==References== | ==References== | ||
| − | #{{Ref-Clements6thDec08}} | + | #{{Ref-Clements6thDec08}}#Avianweb |
| − | + | {{ref}} | |
==External Links== | ==External Links== | ||
{{GSearch|Tadorna+radjah}} | {{GSearch|Tadorna+radjah}} | ||
[[Category:Birds]] | [[Category:Birds]] | ||
Revision as of 09:44, 9 July 2011
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.[2]
The Radjah Shelduck is listed as a protected bird in all states of Australia [2]
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.[2]
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.[2]
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.[2]
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.[2]
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.
- Avianweb
Recommended Citation
- BirdForum Opus contributors. (2024) Radjah Shelduck. In: BirdForum, the forum for wild birds and birding. Retrieved 17 May 2024 from https://www.birdforum.net/opus/Radjah_Shelduck
