The Ruddy Shelduck

Описание: The Ruddy Shelduck :
The Ruddy Shelduck is a member of the duck, goose and swan family Anatidae and is classed as a Shelduck.
in Western Europe the ruddy Shelduck is considered a pest as many captive birds have escaped and established themselves in the wild and are a threat to the native waterfowl due to their aggressive behaviour and interbreeding.
Due to this the Ruddy Shelduck is subject to an eradication scheme.
Size :
The ruddy shelduck grows to a length of 58 to 70 cm and has a 110–135 cm wingspan.The male has orange-brown body plumage and a paler, orange-brown head and neck, separated from the body by a narrow black collar. The rump, flight feathers, tail-coverts and tail feathers are black and there are iridescent green speculum feathers on the inner surfaces of the wings. Both upper and lower wing-coverts are white, this feature being particularly noticeable in flight but hardly visible when the bird is at rest. The bill is black and the legs are dark grey.
Male :
The male has Orange Brown plumage with a lighter face and crown with a Black collar around the neck just above the breast. The rump and tail are Black and the wings are White with Black flight feathers. The bill is Black and the legs and feet are also Black.
Female :
The female is similar to the male except it is lighter in the face and lacks the neck collar. It is also slightly smaller.
Habitat :
Wetlands, Marshes, Rivers, Mud Flats, Shingle Banks, Lakes and Reservoirs.
Diet : Aquatic Plants, Insects, Molluscs, Crustaceans, Grasses, Rice and small Fish.
Nest : The nest is built in a cavity in a river bank.