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Ruddy Shelduck

The ruddy shelduck (Tadorna ferruginea) dazzles with vibrant orange plumage and migratory grace. Often found in wetlands, this social bird boasts noisy flocks and distinctive honking. Crucial for ecosystem balance, it deftly controls insect and plant populations, thriving in diverse habitats.

10 years
Lifespan
Least Concern
Conservation Status
Unknown
Population Trend
Distribution Range of the Ruddy Shelduck
The species Tadorna ferruginea, commonly known as the Ruddy Shelduck, is primarily native to regions of Eurasia. Its geographical distribution spans from Southeast Europe through Central Asia, the Indian Subcontinent, and parts of Northeast Africa. Countries within its native range include, but are not limited to, Turkey, Russia, Kazakhstan, India, China, and Egypt.
Ruddy Shelduck's Habitat
Environmental Conditions
The Ruddy Shelduck predominantly inhabits open and sparsely vegetated wetlands, including lakes, rivers, marshes, and reservoirs. It favours regions with temperate to subtropical climates and is often found at elevations ranging from sea level to high-altitude plateaus, such as those of the Tibetan Plateau.
Ecological Niche
In its ecological niche, the Ruddy Shelduck exploits a variety of aquatic and terrestrial environments. It often feeds on a diet comprising plant material, small aquatic animals, and invertebrates. This species has adapted to a semi-nomadic lifestyle in some regions, migrating seasonally to take advantage of varying climatic conditions and food availability. Variations in habitat and behavior can be observed among different populations, especially between those in temperate regions and those in the Indian Subcontinent.