New Zealand Introduced Animals > Chesnut-Breasted Shellduck

Chesnut-Breasted Shellduck

Tadorna tadornoides

VAGRANT

DISTRIBUTION: Principally a resident of south-eastern and western Australia. First recorded in New Zealand in 1982 at Lake Ellesmere. Also seen on the West coast and in Invercargill. Later seen at several places in the North Island.

HABITAT: The waters edge or in grassy paddocks where they graze. They will move to different localities for food or water.

BREEDING: Eggs are laid around August in tree hollows or in well covered nests on the ground. Like most Shelducks they are thought to pair for life. Up to 12 white eggs are laid and are incubated by the female for around 30 days.

FOOD: Grains, seeds and grass.

VOICE: A loud honk from the male which is more high pitched in the female.

GENERAL: Males have a black head and neck, often softened with a tinge of brown with a white ring at the base of the neck. The breast is cinnamon brown. White and chestnut is apparent on the wings. Females are very similar to males but the chestnut on their breast is much brighter and they have a stripe of white around their bill and eyes. Willowbank is involved in a breeding programme to save this species in New Zealand.


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