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Birds and Butterflies of Rhodes
RODOPTERA
Tadorna ferruginea
Ruddy shelduck. Greek: κασταvόπαπια. Tigaki lagoon, Kos Island, April 2004.
Breeding migrant, two-three pairs in most years, March to September. Large, goose-like. Length 58-70 cm, wingspan 110-140 cm. Sexes similar, breeding male with narrow black collar. Forages by grazing, dabbling, upending. Feeds primarily on aquatic plant matter, also takes grain, insects, molluscs, crustaceans. Nests in cliff crevices on neighbouring Pserimos Island. Soon after hatching, chicks are transferred across two-mile straits to Tigaki lagoon. Strong pair bond. Solitary behaviour of pairs. Both sexes very aggressive when breeding. Powerful flight. Extremely alert to human presence.
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