Ruddy Shelduck

Migration

This duck species migrates south to overwinter in lower altitudes throughout India and Southeast Asia. It feeds and rests around shores of freshwater lakes, lagoons and rivers. The shelduck chooses to nest a distance away from water in shallow depressions, holes in sand or clay banks, in a nest supplemented with feathers and grasses. A clutch of up to 10 eggs may be laid each season.

Nutrition

This omnivorous duck prefers to dine on water plants, grasses, shoots and grain crops. It has also been known to consume terrestrial and aquatic invertebrates.

Vocal Communications

Ruddy shelduck vocalizations include loud, nasal honking. There is a difference between the male and female calls. They loudly communicate both while in flight and on the ground. When warding off unwanted intruders, a female lowers her head and charges a foe while honking her displeasure.