Ruddy Shelduck

Ruddy Shelducks are seen in romantic pairs in lakes and ponds. In Nepal when someone has to refer to a particularly loving and romantic couple, they use the phrase, 'Chakhewa-Chakhewi ko jodi jasto' or like a pair of Ruddy Shelducks. And there is some truth to this folk belief as these guys mate for life. They have a rusty orange body with black tipped wings and the underside of their wings is filled with white feathers. These distinct waterfowls are common in inland Himalayan lakes and feed on lush green grass. Their nests are usually among crevices and holes in a cliff. The female lay eggs and incubates for about 4 weeks until hatching begins. During molting, which happens before winter, these birds are seen in large groups. A communal gathering of more than 4000 birds has been recorded in Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve in Nepal. By religious point of view, Buddhist consider this bird to be sacred and hunting or killing is strictly restricted. Also, this bird makes people realize that something that is elegant to look at need not be a pleasure to listen to. This waterbird normally quacks with loud nasal honks that have probably inspired today's automobile industry.