Ruddy shelduck

The Ruddy Shelduck is found from southeastern Europe to Central Asia, and in northwestern Africa. It inhabits mainly open steppe and semi-desert landscapes near brackish or freshwater lakes, reservoirs, and slow-flowing rivers. The nest is often located far from water: in tree hollows, ruined buildings, cliff crevices, among dunes, or in animal burrows.

In Ukraine, it is a rare breeding and migratory species. It is listed in the Red Data Book of Ukraine. It breeds mainly in the steppe zone, particularly in the Askania-Nova nature reserve and along the coast of the Sea of Azov, although its range is gradually expanding. During seasonal migrations, the birds also occur in other regions of the country.

It feeds on both plant and animal matter. Its diet consists mainly of seeds, grain, shoots, and green parts of aquatic and terrestrial plants. It also eats insects and their larvae, crustaceans, and mollusks.