ExploreBirds

Ruddy Shelduck

Tadorna ferruginea

The Ruddy Shelduck is a beautiful bird with bright orange feathers and a cheerful personality. They love to swim in lakes and rivers and can often be seen waddling around on the shore.

Habitat: Wetlands

Appearance

The Ruddy Shelduck is a striking waterfowl with a vibrant rusty-orange body and a paler, almost white head. Males have a narrow black neck ring during breeding season, contrasting with their black flight feathers and green speculum, making them visually distinct.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderAnseriformesFamilyAnatidaeGenusTadorna
Ruddy Shelduck
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Ruddy Shelduck

Category

Birds

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

A group of Shelducks has many names, like a 'raft' when on water or a 'brace' in flight.

Both Ruddy Shelduck parents fiercely guard their fluffy ducklings, even chasing away big eagles!

Ruddy Shelducks sometimes nest far from water, even in old buildings or tree holes!

They often undertake huge journeys, traveling thousands of miles to find perfect seasonal homes.

Special abilities

Ability

Mountain Navigator

Ruddy Shelducks can fly at high altitudes over mountains because of their powerful wings and endurance, helping them reach distant breeding grounds.

Ability

Tunnel Nester

Ruddy Shelducks often nest in tree holes or burrows because this unique choice provides excellent protection for their eggs and chicks from predators.

Ability

Social Sentinel

Ruddy Shelducks are highly vocal with loud, honking calls that help them communicate across distances and warn others of danger.

Measurements & details

Length
58-70 cm
Wingspan
110-135 cm
Weight
0.9-1.6 kg
Lifespan
10-15 years
Top Speed
65 km/h
Clutch Size
6-12
Incubation
28-30 days
Migration Distance
3000 km

Diet & Feeding

Ruddy Shelducks are omnivores, munching on plants, seeds, and small water creatures.

Primary Foods

  • aquatic plants
  • seeds
  • grains
  • small insects
  • crustaceans

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Always watch birds from a distance and do not try to touch or feed them.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is Ruddy Shelduck?

58-70 cm

What is Ruddy Shelduck's wingspan?

110-135 cm

How much does Ruddy Shelduck weigh?

0.9-1.6 kg

How long does Ruddy Shelduck live?

10-15 years

How fast can Ruddy Shelduck move?

65 km/h

What does Ruddy Shelduck eat?

Ruddy Shelducks are omnivores, munching on plants, seeds, and small water creatures.

Where is Ruddy Shelduck usually found?

Wetlands

How does Ruddy Shelduck hunt?

Foraging

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