Ruddy Sheldrake

Ruddy Sheldrake 

(Casarca ferruginea), a bird of the family Anatidae (duck). The ruddy sheldrake is about 60 cm long and weighs 1.1–1.6 kg. It is light rust in color, with a whitish head. The ruddy sheldrake is found in Southern Europe, North Africa, and Asia. In the USSR it inhabits the steppes and deserts of the steppe region of the Crimea eastward to the Amur Region. The bird dwells on plains and mountains near fresh and salt waters. In the Pamirs it is encountered at elevations to 4,500 m. The ruddy sheldrake nests in marmot and fox burrows, in deserted structures, and in hollows and fissures in cliffs. A clutch contains eight to 12 eggs. The ruddy sheldrake usually leaves the water to feed on seeds, shoots, insects, and copepods. The bird is often hunted for sport. It may be seen in many zoos.