Ruddy Shelduck (Tadorna Ferruginea)

 A part of the duck, goose and swan family Anatidae is the Ruddy Shelduck (Tadorna ferruginea). It is in the subfamily Tadorninae of the Shelduck. It is referred to in India as the Brahminy Duck.

In northwestern Africa and Ethiopia, there are very minor resident populations of this species, but the major breeding area of this species is from south-eastern Europe across central Asia to southeastern China. These species, wintering in southern Asia, are mainly migratory.

The Ruddy Shelduck is still common throughout most of its Asian range, although becoming very uncommon in southeast Europe and southern Spain. It could be this population as far west as Iceland and Great Britain that gives rise to vagrants. 

However, as the European population is dwindling, the majority of occurrences in Western Europe in recent decades are likely to include escapes or wild birds. Although this bird is observed in the wild in eastern North America from time to time, no evidence of a true vagrant has been found.

In pairs or small groups, the Ruddy Shelduck is usually found and seldom forms large flocks. Moulting and wintering meetings on selected lakes or sluggish rivers can, however, be very large.

This is an open-land bird that will breed in water-distant burrows, tree holes or crevices, laying 6-16 creamy-white eggs incubated for 30 days.

This species is normally aggressive and antisocial in captivity and is better kept in pairs, but in a very wide area. Then it will blend with other animals, but at breeding time it will still be feisty.