Radjah Shelduck

Radjah radjah

Ducks, Swans, and Geese · Anseriformes · Uncommon

The Radjah Shelduck (Radjah radjah) is a uncommon ducks, swans, and geese found in 7 countries, weighing about 885 g. The radjah shelduck is a species of shelduck found mostly in New Guinea and Australia, and also on some of the Moluccas.

Least ConcernUncommonEats fishcoastalcavity nest885 g

About the Radjah Shelduck

The radjah shelduck is a species of shelduck found mostly in New Guinea and Australia, and also on some of the Moluccas. It is known alternatively as the raja shelduck, black-backed shelduck, or in Australia as the Burdekin duck.

Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.

How to identify it

Both the male and female of the species are mostly white, with dark wing-tips and a distinctive "collar" of dark feathers. When viewed from above, during flight or with wings outstretched, green bands are visible on the tops of their wings. To communicate, the female utters a harsh rattle while the male emits a breathy, "sore-throat" whistle.

Where it lives

Recorded as a rare visitor in United States, Germany.

When to see it

Best months: January, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December, with peak activity in October. It is a resident species across most of its range.

Easily confused with

Quick questions

How do you identify a Radjah Shelduck?
Both the male and female of the species are mostly white, with dark wing-tips and a distinctive "collar" of dark feathers. Full identification notes are on this page.
How big is a Radjah Shelduck?
The Radjah Shelduck is a large sized bird weighing about 885 g.
Where can you see a Radjah Shelduck?
The Radjah Shelduck occurs in 7 countries, including Australia, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Singapore and the United Arab Emirates.
What birds look similar to a Radjah Shelduck?
The Radjah Shelduck is most easily confused with the Lake Duck, the Rosy-billed Pochard and the Blue-billed Teal.
Is the Radjah Shelduck endangered?
The Radjah Shelduck is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.

Learn the Radjah Shelduck for real

BeakBrain drills you on photos and calls until you can greet this bird by name in the field. Free to play, on any device.

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