Facts about Common Shelduck

1. 09

   A ground-nesting species, the Common Shelduck frequently uses abandoned rabbit burrows as nest sites, providing concealment and insulation for eggs.

   Common ShelduckJun 8sharenestingbehaviorecology
2. 08

   Shelduck pairs establish and defend large territories encompassing up to 2 square kilometers of wetland habitat during the breeding season to ensure adequate food resources and nesting sites.

   Common ShelduckMay 14sharebehaviorhabitatmeasurement
3. 07

   Common Shelduck ducklings fledge at approximately 7 to 8 weeks of age, becoming capable of sustained flight before joining their parents on migration routes.

   Common ShelduckMay 14sharebiologydevelopmentlifecycle
4. 06

   Distinctive white facial patches and a greenish sheen on the head identify adult female Common Shelducks, contrasting sharply with their russet body plumage.

   Common ShelduckMay 14shareappearanceidentificationbiology
5. 05

   Pairs of Common Shelducks exhibit strong monogamous bonds that often persist across multiple breeding seasons, with partners reuniting at traditional nesting sites year after year.

   Common ShelduckMay 14sharebehaviorreproductionbiology
6. 04

   Chestnut-colored plumage covers the head and neck of adult male Common Shelducks, distinguishing them from females with white heads and necks.

   Common ShelduckMay 14sharebiologyappearancesexual-dimorphism
7. 03

   Clutches of Common Shelduck eggs typically contain 8 to 15 eggs, with incubation lasting approximately 29 to 30 days before ducklings hatch.

   Common ShelduckMay 14sharereproductionbiologymeasurement
8. 02

   Male Common Shelducks develop a knob on their bill during breeding season that can measure up to 8 millimeters in height.

   Common ShelduckMay 14sharebiologymeasurementbreeding
9. 01

   During spring migration, Common Shelducks travel up to 3,000 kilometers from northern European breeding grounds to molting grounds in the Wadden Sea.

   Common ShelduckMay 14sharemigrationgeographymeasurement