Ruddy Shelduck

The Ruddy Shelduck breeds across a broad swath of Central Asia, eastern Europe, and parts of the Middle East and East Asia, favoring open steppe lakes, rivers, and sometimes high-altitude wetlands. Its warm, unbarred orange plumage and habit of nesting in burrows or cavities away from water make it a distinctive and adaptable waterfowl species.

Body feathers are a rich, unbarred orange-cinnamon color throughout, lacking the fine vermiculation typical of many dabbling ducks. Head and face feathers are noticeably paler, creamy-buff, contrasting gently with the darker orange body. A large white patch covers the upperwing coverts, bordered by a narrow black band and a glossy green speculum, prominent in flight and identifiable on individual covert feathers. Tail and primary feathers are blackish.

Males develop a narrow black ring around the neck during the breeding season, otherwise the sexes look broadly similar. Juveniles are duller than adults, with a less crisp contrast between head and body coloring.

Breeds across steppe lakes and rivers of Central Asia and parts of eastern Europe, with some populations breeding at high elevations on the Tibetan Plateau and neighboring mountain regions. Migratory populations winter further south in South Asia and parts of Africa, while some populations are more sedentary.

Feeds on a mix of grain, grasses, and small aquatic invertebrates, foraging both on land and in shallow water. Nests in burrows, cliff crevices, or tree cavities, sometimes at considerable distance from water, with young later led overland to wetlands. Territorial and often seen in pairs or small family groups, giving loud, far-carrying honking calls.