Ruddy Shelduck

Tadorna ferruginea

Genus · Typical Shelducks Family · Ducks, Geese, and Swans
Observation tips Difficulty: EASY
Best time
🕒 Any
Activity
☀️ Diurnal
Best months
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
Observation habitat
LawnsMarineOpen waterRoofs

Look for the bright rusty color. In flight, they show massive white wing-patches that contrast with black feathers.

Ruddy Shelduck

♂ Male · ♀ Female

Stats
Wingspan110–145 cm
Weight1000–1600 g
Length58–70 cm
Lifespan wild10–18 yrs
Size
XS
S
M
L
XL
Nesting
Nest typeBurrow
Clutch size6–12 eggs
Incubation28–30 days
Breeding months
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
Regional Status (Europe)
LC
Least Concern (Europe)
IUCN Red List
MigrationPartial migratory
Social BehaviourFlocking

Diet: Omnivore

🦀Crustaceans
🐟Fish
🌾Grain
🦗Insects
🍃Plants
🌻Seeds

Habitat

🚜 Farmland🌿 Grassland🛶 Lake wetlands🏞️ River
✦ Fun Fact

In many parts of Central Asia, the Ruddy Shelduck is considered a sacred bird and is protected by local traditions.

About

A large, goose-like duck with striking orange-brown plumage. It is a resident in Southeastern Europe and Asia. In Western Europe, it is often seen as an escapee from collections. It favors open lakes and saline lagoons. It can also be found on high-altitude plateaus.

Behaviour

Ruddy Shelducks are loud and territorial. They give a honking, trumpet-like 'ang-ang' call. They graze on land like geese but are also strong swimmers. Unlike many ducks, they nest in holes. These can be in trees, rock crevices, or abandoned animal burrows.

Sexual Dimorphism

♂ Male

Has a narrow black ring around the neck during the breeding season. His head is a paler creamy-orange than his body.

♀ Female

Lacks the black neck ring. She has a much whiter face, especially around the eyes.

Similar species

Common Shelduck
🐦
Common Shelduck
Tadorna tadorna
Egyptian Goose
🐦
Egyptian Goose
Alopochen aegyptiaca
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