Ducks, Geese and Swans (Anatidae)

Common Shelduck (Tadorna tadorna) - HBW 1, p. 592

French: Tadorne de Belon German: Brandgans Spanish: Tarro Blanco
Other common names: Shelduck, Northern/Red-billed Shelduck

Taxonomy: Anas Tadorna Linnaeus, 1758, coasts of Europe.
One of least typical Tadorna species, considered as a link between this genus and Alopochen. Hybridization with several species of Tadorna, Alopochen aegyptiacus, Anas platyrhynchos and Somateria mollissima recorded in captivity. Monotypic.

Distribution: Coastal NW Europe and scattered Mediterranean sites eastwards through Central Asia to NE China, and south to Iran and Afghanistan.