Radjah Shelduck

Overview

The radjah shelduck (Radjah radjah), also known as the Burdekin duck in Australia, is a species of shelduck primarily found in New Guinea, Australia, and the Moluccas. It is currently classified as Least Concern by the IUCN Red List.

Identification

• Mostly white plumage with dark wing-tips and a distinctive 'collar' of dark feathers.
• Green bands visible on the tops of the wings when viewed from above during flight.
• Female vocalisation is a harsh rattle, while the male emits a breathy, 'sore-throat' whistle.

Habitat

Inhabits mangrove forests and coastlines across New Guinea, Australia, and parts of the Moluccas. In Australia, its range extends from the Kimberley in Western Australia through the Northern Territory to central Queensland. It prefers salty waters in mangrove flats and paperbark swamps but utilises various brackish and freshwater wetlands during the wet season.

Diet

The preferred diet consists mainly of mollusks, aquatic or other insects, worms, aquatic weeds, sedge materials, and algae. Pairs typically forage near their primary food source and select nesting sites close to these resources.

Did you know?

During the rainy season, males commonly become very irritable and have been observed attacking their mates. Nesting requires no external materials other than down feathers supplied by the birds themselves.