Ruddy Shelduck

Tadoma tsrrugiflBB

Beak

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Feet

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Crest

No crest

Breeds in Himalayas; widespread winter visitor. Rusty-orange, with buff to orange head; white upperwing- and underwing-coverts contrast with black remiges in flight. Breeding male has black neck-collar. which is less distinct or absent in non-breeding plumage. Female very similar to male, but lacks neck-collar and often has diffuse whitish face patch. Juvenile as female. but with browner and duller upperparts and underparts, and greyish tone to head. Usually feeds by grazing on banks of rivers and lakes; also by wading in shallows. dabbling and upending. Breeds around high-altitude lakes and swamps; winters by large open lakes and rivers. especially with sandbanks and sandy islets.