South African shelduck facts for kids
Quick facts for kids South African shelduck |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Adult male | |
 |
|
| Adult female | |
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Tadorna
|
| Species: |
cana
|
The South African shelduck is also known as the Cape shelduck. Its scientific name is Tadorna cana. This bird is a type of shelduck, which are large birds that look a bit like geese.
Shelducks belong to the bird family Anatidae. This family also includes swans, geese, and ducks. The South African shelduck is a common bird. It lives naturally in southern Africa.
This bird is about 64 centimeters (25 inches) long. It mainly breeds in Namibia and South Africa. During the southern hemisphere's winter, many of these birds fly north-east. They go to special places where they change their feathers. Many birds gather in these areas.
South African shelducks usually live near lakes and rivers. They prefer open areas. They often make their nests in old holes made by mammals, like those of the aardvark. When they are not breeding, pairs of these birds tend to move around a lot.
Contents
What's in a Name?
The scientific name for the South African shelduck is Tadorna cana. The word Tadorna comes from a French name for a similar bird. The word cana comes from Latin. It means "grey". This name likely refers to the grey head of the male bird.
How to Spot a South African Shelduck
Adult South African shelducks have reddish-brown bodies. Their wings have striking patterns of black, white, and green.
Male vs. Female Shelducks
The male shelduck has a grey head. The female has a white face with a black top of the head. She also has black on the back and sides of her neck. The amount of white and black on the female's head can vary a lot.
When they are flying, these birds can look similar to Egyptian geese. Young shelducks are not as brightly colored as adults. Young females do not have the white on their heads, except for white circles around their eyes.
Sounds They Make
Male shelducks make a deep "honk" or "hoogh" sound. Female shelducks usually make a louder, sharper "hark" sound.
Protecting These Birds
The South African shelduck is one of the species covered by the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA). This agreement helps protect birds that migrate across Africa and Eurasia.
