Ruddy Shelduck

The Ruddy Shelduck is a warm orange-brown, goose-like duck with a paler, buffy head and a dark tail and flight feathers that contrast against the body in flight. Breeding males develop a thin black neck ring, while females typically show a paler face than males. In flight, both sexes reveal a bold white patch on the upper wing coverts and a glossy green speculum, similar to the pattern found in the Common Shelduck.

Widespread from southeastern Europe through Central Asia to China, the Ruddy Shelduck often occurs in pairs or small groups on open wetlands, lakes, and rivers, sometimes far from the coast.

Key field marks

• Overall warm orange-cinnamon body color with a paler, creamy head
• Dark tail and flight feathers contrasting with the body
• White upperwing patch and glossy green speculum visible in flight
• Breeding males show a thin black neck ring, absent or faint in females

Similar species

The Common Shelduck has a white body with a chestnut breast band and a green head, entirely different from the uniformly orange-brown Ruddy Shelduck. The Egyptian Goose shares a similar orange-brown tone but has a distinctive dark eye patch and pinkish legs, and a different overall shape.

Ruddy Shelducks breed across a broad swath of Eurasia from southeastern Europe and North Africa through Central Asia to Mongolia and China, using open wetlands, steppe lakes, rivers, and even high-altitude lakes. Many populations migrate to lower-elevation lakes, rivers, and wetlands in South Asia and parts of Africa for the winter, and feral or introduced populations occur in parts of Europe.

Behavior

Ruddy Shelducks are usually seen in pairs or small family groups, often quite wary, and are strong fliers capable of crossing high mountain passes during migration.

Voice

Both sexes give loud, honking calls; a repeated, nasal 'aakh' or trumpeting note is often heard, especially in flight.

Feeding

Aquatic plants, grasses, seeds, and small invertebrates, obtained by grazing on land and dabbling in shallow water.

Nesting

Nests in burrows, cliff crevices, tree cavities, or even ruins and buildings, sometimes far from water; clutches typically number 6-12 eggs.