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As is common with most ducks, the male ruddy shelduck is brighter and more decorated, developing a black collar during the breeding season, than the female in order to attract a mate. The pair nests in a tree hollow, among stone piles, or in an abandoned burrow.

front view of a ruddy shelduck

Did You Know?

The ruddy shelduck spends much of its time far from water, preferring to forage on land.

Quick Facts

Latin Name:
Tadorna ferruginea

Range:
Northern Africa, Middle East, Europe, and Asia

Habitat:
Freshwater wetlands and grasslands

Length:
2 to 2.2 feet

Zoo Location:
Jungle Trails

Diet:
Variety of aquatic and terrestrial vegetation, insects, fish, frogs and worms