The main breeding area of Rudy Shelduck is from south east Europe across central Asia to Southeast Asia. These birds are mostly migratory and wintering in the Pakistan and Subcontinent.

The Ruddy Shelduck is 58–70 cm long with a 110–135 cm wingspan. This bird breeds on cliffs, in burrows, tree holes or crevices distant from water. They lay 6-16 creamy-white eggs and incubate for 30 days. The Ruddy Shelduck live in pairs or small groups and rarely forms large flocks. However, moulting and wintering gatherings on chosen lakes or slow rivers can be very large.