Rajah Shelduck
Tadorna radjah

One of two shelducks in Australia (the other being the Australian Shelduck), they occur in the tropical north of Australia as well as islands to the north. They frequent mangroves, swamps and occasionally lakes, lagoons and inland open water during the wet season. They form pairs and are usually found as such, rather than as singles or flocks. As with other shelducks, they are filter feeders, straining small creatures from water and mud with their bills. They are sometimes known in Australia as the Burdekin Duck and sometimes Radjah is rendered as Raja. As with other shelducks, they are large, measuring between 49-61 cm.
 

1-3: Centenary Lakes, Cairns, Qld, 17/10/2011.