Shelduck
Tadorna tadorna
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Overview
The Shelduck is one of the Sefton Coast's most distinctive waterfowl — large, boldly patterned in black, white and chestnut, with a red bill. Males have a prominent red knob at the base of the bill. They nest in rabbit burrows in the dunes and can often be seen shepherding ducklings across Marshside. In late summer, most British Shelducks undergo a flightless moult in the Heligoland Bight in Germany, returning in autumn — a remarkable migration behaviour unique to this species.
At a Glance
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Habitat | Estuary · Saltmarsh · Sand dune (for nesting) · Coastal lagoon |
| Diet | Invertebrates filtered from mud, particularly Hydrobia snails and amphipods |
| UK population | Around 15,000 breeding pairs; amber-listed due to breeding decline |
| Sefton Coast | Breeds on the dune system; regular year-round on estuary and Marshside lagoons |
| Conservation | UK Amber List |
Where to See It
Marshside RSPB, Ribble Estuary, Alt Estuary. Also nests in rabbit burrows in the dunes at Ainsdale.
Identification
Large goose-sized duck. White body with black head and neck, broad chestnut breast-band, red bill. Male has red knob on bill. Striking in flight with black, white and chestnut pattern.
Viewing & Photography Tips
Check any open estuary mud at low tide. Marshside RSPB is reliable year-round. In spring, look for pairs investigating rabbit burrows in the dunes at Ainsdale.
Conservation Status
UK Amber List
This species is on the UK Amber List for Birds (BoCC5), indicating moderate concern. Population monitoring and habitat management remain important for its continued recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do Shelduck go in summer?
After breeding, most British Shelducks fly to the Heligoland Bight off Germany for a flightless moult — an extraordinary migration. They gather in huge flocks of tens of thousands at traditional moulting sites to replace all their flight feathers simultaneously, leaving them unable to fly for several weeks. They return to UK estuaries in late summer and autumn.
Related Species
Plan your visit to the Sefton Coast
Marshside RSPB, Formby pinewoods, Ainsdale NNR — practical guides to getting there, what to bring, and the best spots for each season.