Australian Shelduck

(Tadorna tadornoides)

A medium sized goose like looking duck from western and southern Australia. Its prefered habitat is fairly open country where it breeds in tree holes or holes in banks. The sexes are very similar but the female has a white ring around the eye. This species has favoured moulting grounds, such as Lake George, NSW, where sizable concentrations occur. They reach breeding maturity in their 2-3rd year. Also known as Chestnut breasted or Mountain Shelduck.