# Raja Shelduck (*Tadorna radjah*) The Raja Shelduck is a colorful bird known for its beautiful feathers. It loves to swim in lakes and rivers, where it can be seen diving for food and playing in the water. - **Category:** [Birds](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/bird) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low - **Habitat:** Wetlands ![Raja Shelduck](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Radjah_Shelduck_JCB.jpg&width=800) Photo: Joseph C Boone, CC BY-SA 4.0 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Radjah_Shelduck_JCB.jpg) ## Appearance The Raja Shelduck has a striking all-white body, often with a rich chestnut breast band, contrasting with dark greenish-black flight feathers. Its legs are pink, and it sports a pale pinkish-grey bill, making it visually distinct among waterfowl. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Chordata - **Class:** Aves - **Order:** Anseriformes - **Family:** Anatidae - **Genus:** Radjah ## Interesting facts - Raja Shelducks form strong pair bonds, often staying together for life. - Their unique name 'Raja' means 'king' or 'prince' in Sanskrit! - They are sometimes called 'Burdekin Ducks' in Australia. - They often nest high up in tree hollows, sometimes far from water! ## Special abilities - **Cavity Nester:** Raja Shelduck can nest in tree hollows or burrows, providing a safe, hidden spot for their eggs. - **Aquatic Forager:** The Raja Shelduck can dive underwater and dabble to find tasty plants and invertebrates in wetlands. - **Strong Flier:** Raja Shelducks have powerful wings that help them fly swiftly over their tropical wetland homes. ## Measurements & details - **Length:** 48-61 cm - **Wingspan:** 90-110 cm - **Weight:** 0.8-1.5 kg - **Lifespan:** 10-15 years - **Speed:** 60 km/h - **Clutch Size:** 6-12 - **Incubation:** 28-30 days ## Diet & Feeding These ducks munch on a mix of aquatic plants and tiny water creatures. - **Primary Foods:** Aquatic grasses, Sedges, Algae, Snails, Insect larvae - **Foraging Method:** Foraging ## Ecological connections - **Eaten by:** [Saltwater Crocodile](https://www.snappit.app/explore/saltwater-crocodile) (*Crocodylus porosus*) — A large predator of adults and ducklings. - **Eaten by:** White-bellied Sea-Eagle (*Haliaeetus leucogaster*) — A common bird of prey in its habitat. - **Depends on:** [River Red Gum](https://www.snappit.app/explore/river-red-gum) (*Eucalyptus camaldulensis*) — Provides hollows for nesting. - **Eats:** Wild Rice (*Oryza rufipogon*) — Consumes seeds and shoots of this plant. ## Traits - [Feathered](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/feathered): Feathered describes animals, primarily birds, possessing a covering of feathers. - [Webbed Feet](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/webbed-feet): Characterized by having toes connected by a membrane, typically aiding in swimming. - [Social](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/social): Social animals live in organized groups, cooperating for survival benefits such as foraging, defense, and raising offspring. - [Omnivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/omnivorous): This trait identifies organisms whose diet includes both plant and animal matter. - [Colorful](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/colorful): Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors. - [Wetland](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/wetland): This habitat trait identifies species found in wetlands, which are areas of land saturated with water, either permanently or seasonally, including marshes, swamps, and bogs. - [Diurnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/diurnal): Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night. - [Freshwater](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/freshwater): Freshwater habitats include non-saline aquatic environments such as rivers, lakes, ponds, and wetlands, vital for numerous species. ## Collections - [Birds](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/birds) ## Safety **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low Always watch birds from a distance and do not try to touch them. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Raja Shelduck? Compare the silhouette, bill shape, tail length, wing bars and markings around the eyes. The same small brown bird at your feeder can look quite different in breeding plumage, winter plumage or its first year. Bird Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### How long is Raja Shelduck? 48-61 cm ### What is Raja Shelduck's wingspan? 90-110 cm ### How much does Raja Shelduck weigh? 0.8-1.5 kg ### How long does Raja Shelduck live? 10-15 years ### How fast can Raja Shelduck move? 60 km/h ### What does Raja Shelduck eat? These ducks munch on a mix of aquatic plants and tiny water creatures. ### Where is Raja Shelduck usually found? Wetlands ## More Birds - [Black-crowned Night Heron](https://www.snappit.app/explore/black-crowned-night-heron) (*Nycticorax nycticorax*) - [Anna's Hummingbird](https://www.snappit.app/explore/annas-hummingbird) (*Calypte anna*) - [Great Egret](https://www.snappit.app/explore/great-egret) (*Ardea alba*) - [Blue Jay](https://www.snappit.app/explore/blue-jay) (*Cyanocitta cristata*) --- Source: [Raja Shelduck: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/raja-shelduck)