Ruddy Shelduck
The Ruddy Shelduck (Tadorna ferruginea), known in India as the Brahminy duck, is a member of the family Anatidae. It is a distinctive waterfowl, this bird specie is classified under non_passerine or Aquatic Bird's. They live in pair nearby water, always the male is bigger than female. The nest may be well away from water, in a crevice or hole in a cliff, tree or similar site. A clutch of about eight eggs is laid and is incubated solely by the female for about four weeks. The young are cared for by both parents and fledge about eight weeks after hatching. The ruddy shelduck is family of the shelduck in the wildfowl. This bird specie was first described in 1764 by a German zoologist and botanist.
Ruddy shelduck has been known to hybridize with several members of dabbling duck genus Anas e.g Wigeon, Teals, Pintails, Shoveler and Egyptian Goose however there is are no recognised sub-species as yet. The mating takes place in the water and breeding is done between March and April when they have enough food or water during the beginning of rainy season.
The ruddy shelduck is a common winter visitor in Ethiopia, it arrives by October and departs by April. Its typical breeding habitat is large wetlands and rivers with mud flats. It is mainly a nocturnal bird which is omnivorous and feeds on grasses, young shoots of plants, grain and water plants as well as both aquatic and terrestrial invertebrates. In Ethiopia afro alpine lake is the best place to see them e.g Bale Mountains is one of the best destination to spot these colorful bird species.