A boldly pied, large, somewhat goose-like duck, often terrestrial; juvenile unexpectedly different.

A link between ducks and geese, the Shelduck has some of the terrestrial character of grazing geese, including an easy walk on relatively long legs. It is among the more arresting birds to be seen on an estuary or marsh, easily identified at very long range. This visibility might leave it vulnerable to predation, but perhaps aids its territorial defence in spring and summer.