Wildlifeof Thailand
Ruddy Shelduck
Anatidae
Photo: egorbirder · CC BY 4.0 (May be cropped or resized)
Tadorna ferruginea
Basic stats
Diet
Grasses, seeds, aquatic plants and invertebrates
Habitat
Lakes, rivers and open wetlands
Range
South-eastern Europe, North Africa and Asia
Clutch size
6–12 eggs
Incubation period
28–29 days
Size
58–70cm
Wingspan
110–135cm
The ruddy shelduck is an orange-brown, goose-like duck with a pale head and black flight feathers; males develop a narrow black neck ring in breeding plumage. It uses lakes, rivers and open wetlands from south-eastern Europe across Asia. Pairs graze or dabble for grasses, seeds, aquatic plants and invertebrates and nest in cliffs, holes or buildings, sometimes far from water (Wikipedia, general species account). It is Nationally Least Concern (Thailand Red Data 2025).
Quick answers
- What does the Ruddy Shelduck eat?
- Grasses, seeds, aquatic plants and invertebrates
- What habitat does the Ruddy Shelduck live in?
- Lakes, rivers and open wetlands
- Where is the Ruddy Shelduck found?
- South-eastern Europe, North Africa and Asia
- How many eggs does the Ruddy Shelduck lay?
- 6–12 eggs
- How long are the eggs of the Ruddy Shelduck incubated?
- 28–29 days
- How big is the Ruddy Shelduck?
- 58–70cm
- What is the wingspan of the Ruddy Shelduck?
- 110–135cm