(Tadorna tadornoides)
Length: 55-72 cmCommon
Also known as the Chestnut-breasted Shelduck and Mountain Duck.
These are beautiful large ducks, usually seen in pairs. The female is smaller than the male and has a white eye ring and white round the base of the bill. They often appear at the lake in late winter and spring and are unmistakable.
Pairs claim a territory by a freshwater lake to raise their chicks. They lay their eggs in tree hollows, caves or sandy holes, often a long way from the area in which the young are brought up. The parents may have to lead on a long and dangerous walk to the nursery.
