Coastal north-western Europe and scattered Mediterranean sites eastwards through Central Asia to north-eastern China, and south to Iran and Afghanistan.
Population
Estimated population is 580,000 - 710,000 (2010).
Status LC
Habitat loss due to tidal barrage schemes in Europe, predation from American mink Neovison vison on islands are the main threats. It is also susceptible to avian influenza so may be threatened by future outbreaks of the virus.
For more information see BirdLife International Species Factsheet.
Food
Mainly molluscs and crustaceans seived from the mud but also small fish and some plant materials.
Voice
Male, usually silent or sweet-sounding whistle. Female, utters deep, quick quacks.
Common Shelduck (Tadorna tadorna) [XC735800]
by from Coddstown, Wexford, County Wexford, Ireland (nocturnal flight call)
Common Shelduck (Tadorna tadorna) [XC895659]
by from Vigo, Pontevedra, Galicia, Spain (call, flight call, nocturnal flight call)
Nest
In a burrow or hole of a tree upto 8 m above the ground.
Eggs (Guide)
8 - 14; creamy-white; ellipsoidal. Incubation: about 30 days; by male.
Subspecies
Hybridization with several species of Tadorna, Egyptian Goose (Alopochen aegyptiaca), Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) and Common Eider (Somateria mollissima) recorded in captivity.
The Reader's Digest Book of British Birds 1980, 3rd Edition, Drive Publications Ltd ISBN 0 340 25308 8
Birds in Colour Campbell, B., 1960, Penguin Books Ltd
The Pocket Guide to Nest and Eggs Fitter, R.S.R., 1954, Collins
RSPB Handbook of British Birds Holden, P., Cleeves, T., 2002, A & C Black ISBN 0 7136 5713 8
Birds of Britain and Europe Sterry, P., et al., 2001, AA Publishing ISBN 0 7495 3068 5
The Popular Handbook of British Birds Hollom, P.A.D., 1973, H.F. & G. Witherby Ltd ISBN 0 85493 002 7
BirdLife International Species Factsheet