UK Seas

Discover the wonderful sea creatures that inhabit the UK seas and shores

UK seas is a guide to the fauna and flora found around UK coasts. While the majority of species are marine, some species are included that are regularly encountered on land by the coast, so you’ll find descriptions of non-marine species such as reptiles, amphibians, insects and plants as well.

Shelduck

Tadorna tadorna

Type

Birds

Description

A large and handsome duck, mostly white with bright red nobbed bill. It has a green head and a chestnut breastband.

Shelducks often leave their young in creches at a very young age, in the care of a couple of adults.

Location

Common around estuaries and harbours

Habitat

Mudflats