Ruddy Shelduck

Tadorna ferruginea

The Ruddy Shelduck’s traditional breeding range is in southeast Europe and across central Asia to Southeast Asia. With the help of man, they have expanded their range into northern Africa and central Europe. They’ve proven themselves very adaptable to a variety of habitats, and made homes for themselves from sea level to high in the Himalayas. Their choice of nesting sites are cavities, but include tree hollows, burrows, caves, and sometimes attics.

The birds shown below are feral birds living in San Diego County.