Bird · GBIF taxon 2498015
Ruddy Shelduck
Tadorna ferrugineaAlso known as Brahminy Duck
Ruddy shelducks are vocal, striking waterfowl famous for forming lifelong monogamous pairs that aggressively defend their breeding territories. Renowned for crossing the Himalayas at extreme altitudes during seasonal migrations, they nest away from open water in cliff crevices, tree hollows, or abandoned mammal burrows. In Buddhist and Hindu folklore, their inseparable pairs symbolize enduring devotion and fidelity.
WaterfowlMigratoryVocal
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Aquatic Plants
- Terrestrial Insects
- Freshwater Snails
Predators
- Red Fox
- Golden Eagle
- Feral Dog
ThreatsWetland degradation, hunting, and agricultural drainage across staging grounds
HabitatsHighland lakes, steppe reservoirs, saline pans, rivers, and cultivated floodplains
Life span10–15 years in the wild
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- OrderAnseriformes
- FamilyAnatidae
- GenusTadorna
- SpeciesTadorna ferruginea
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
- Listening: Tune in for deep, nasal honking calls resembling distant brass horns.
- Binocular use: Scan steep hillsides and cliffs near water, where pairs frequently scout nest holes.
- Distance: Maintain space during the spring breeding season to avoid disrupting nesting pairs.
Frequent Companion (c) Imran Shah, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · cc-by-sa
Predator Giles Laurent / CC BY-SA 4.0 · cc-by-sa
Close Relative Bernard DUPONT from FRANCE / CC BY-SA 2.0 · cc-by-sa
Close Relative (c) Shaun Swanepoel, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
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