Radjah Shelduck by stuart83
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Description
The Radjah Shelduck's inhabits to mangrove forests and coastline of New Guinea and Australia. In Australia, its primary range takes in much of coastal tropical northern Australia, from central Queensland through northern Northern Territory (including Kakadu National Park) to the Kimberley in Western Australia.
The species prefers the brackish waters of mangrove flats and paperbark tree swamps, but will visit freshwater swamps, lagoons, and billabongs further inland during the wet season.
The Radjah Shelduck forms long-term pair-bonds, and is usually encountered in lone pairs or small flocks. During the wet season the males commonly become very irritable, and have been observed attacking their mates.
The diet consists mainly of mollusks, insects, sedge materials and algae. Pairs start searching for nesting sites during the months of January and February. They nest close to their primary food source, often in the hollow limbs of trees, which makes habitat destruction a particular issue.
Radjah Shelduck doesn't use nesting materials except for some self-supplied down feathers. Egg-laying is usually done by May or June, but depends on the extent of the wet season. The clutches range from 6 to 12 eggs. Incubation time is about 30 days.
The Radjah Shelduck is listed as a protected bird in all states of Australia and extremely harsh penalties exist for harming or disturbing them.
Thanks for your comments,
Stuart
Comments (5)
erlandpil
Very good capture again erland
Littlejock
Perfect Colours, super...again..
tizjezzme
such a cool looking duck ... again, never seen anything like this.
shahlaa
What a beautiful bird, I love it's beak...I love it's colors...excellent shot
TheAnimaGemini
Beautyfull little one. Love his red dott on his wings. Lovely capture and great info. Thank you for sharing. Love your animal images.