South african shelduck

Introduction: The South African shelduck (Tadorna cana) prefer shallow, seasonal pans, dams, rivers and sewage works. Other habitats include muddy shorelines and open, shallow water especially near crops.

Distribution: Fairly common in central and southern Namibia including Etosha National Park, Swakopmund, Walvis Bay wetlands and lagoon, Luderitz, Möwe Bay and Torra Bay. Avoids true Namib Desert regions.

Diet: Maize and sorghum seeds, submerged aquatic plants.

Description: A goose like duck with elongated bodies and short, thick necks. They have a plain grey head and neck with black legs and feet. They emit a loud nasal honk on the ground and in flight.

Breeding: Females lay between 6 to 15 eggs between March and December with incubation periods believed to be around 30 days.

Size: 61 to 64cm.

Weight: 1.36kg.