Common Shelduck
Scientific Name: Tadorna tadornaMaltese Name: Kuluvert tas-Salib
Family: Wildfowl (Anatidae)
Occurence: Scarce
Breeds in Malta: No
Overview:
The Shelduck is an easily identifiable duck. It is often seen near the coast or in large lakes and reservoirs. It is rather large. It has a white body with a broad orange around chest and a distinctive black head. It also has a red bill and pink legs. In flight it has bold black wingtips. As other ducks, it typically sweeps its bill in the water in search of algae and other small water invertebrates. Often grazes in grass on land. It nests in holes on ground where it lays 8-10 eggs. It is a widespread breeding bird throughout the north and other parts of Europe. It winters around the Mediterranean.
Status:
Scarce migrant.
When to See:
Mainly recorded from September throughout the winter until March. Some Juveniles recorded in summer months.
Where to See:
Mostly seen near the coast, at sea flying in small flocks. It rarely flies inland. Qawra and Ghallis are good sites in Autumn/Winter. Qammieh and Cirkewwa are good sites in spring, although it is much more common in winter. Every year a few individuals spend a few hours or days at Ghadira Nature Reserve resting and feeding.
Photographs:
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Common Shelducks, Ghadira Nature Reserve |
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| Common Shelduck, Simar Nature Reserve | Flock of Common Shelducks, Qawra |
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Juvenile Common Shelduck, Ghadira Nature Reserve |
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Common Shelduck, Ghadira Nature Reserve |
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