Burdekin Duck ( Radjah Shelduck )

Description:

The Radjah Shelduck is white with a chestnut band across its chest. Its wingtips, back, rump and tail are black while green and russet patches may be seen in a distinct pattern along its extended wings. It has a white eye with pink legs, feet and beak. The juvenile is much like the adult, except that the white portions are slightly brown

Habitat:

Tropical coastal wetlands, rivers, mudflats, mangroves and paperback swamps

Notes:

Diet: The Radjah Shelduck is an omnivore and eats molluscs, insects, algae and sedges. It uses its beak to filter the water in search of bugs and seeds. Breeding: The Radjah Shelduck nests close to both water and its food supply and so is rarely seen too far from water. It often chooses a hollow tree to hold its cream coloured eggs. The ducklings leave the nest soon after hatching, heading straight for the water to clean off. Both parents care for the ducklings.