Ruddy shelduck

Ruddy shelduck

Description

The ruddy shelduck is a striking, goose-like duck that sits between true ducks and geese. It measures 58–70 cm and weighs about 1–1.6 kg. The body is a warm rusty-orange (cinnamon) with a much paler, creamy-buff head, a black tail and black flight feathers, and a bold white wing patch set off by a metallic green speculum. In the breeding season the male shows a thin black collar, while the female has a whiter face and no collar. The bill and legs are black.

Habitat

It favours open country with fresh or salty lakes, rivers and steppe pools, keeping clear of dense forest and sea coasts. It climbs remarkably high — on Tibetan lakes it breeds above 4,500 m. Its range runs from southeastern Europe through Turkey and Central Asia to Mongolia and China, with isolated populations in northwest Africa and Ethiopia.

Diet

An omnivore with a plant-based bias, it grazes grass and fresh shoots and gathers seeds, grain and water plants, topping up its diet with invertebrates, insects, molluscs, crustaceans and other small animals. It often forages on foot across dry land.

Reproduction

Pairs are strongly bonded and long-lasting, forming on the wintering grounds. Nests are hidden in burrows, rock crevices, tree holes or ruined buildings, often well away from water. The female lays around 8 (6–12) eggs and incubates them alone for about 28–30 days while the male stands guard. Both parents lead the ducklings, which fledge at roughly 55 days.

Lifespan

Around 13 years in the wild, and over 20 years in human care.

Did you know?

In Tibetan Buddhism the ruddy shelduck is a sacred bird and a symbol of faithfulness, as pairs stay together for life. It is also one of the highest-flying birds and has been recorded crossing the Himalayas.