The common shelduck (Tadorna tadorna) is a stunning waterfowl that looks like a small, short-necked goose dressed in its finest! With a white body, chestnut patches, a dark green head, and a striking reddish-pink bill (complete with a fancy knob on males during breeding season), it's a bird that demands attention.
Native to Europe and parts of Asia, these birds are often spotted in salt marshes and estuaries. Interestingly, they love nesting in rabbit burrows, making them pretty unique among waterfowl.
Shelduck families are quite the team players—parents often leave their ducklings in a group (or "crèche") supervised by a few adults. And when danger strikes, the young dive underwater while the parents fly off to act as decoys. A true display of teamwork in nature!
