Rare sight: Ruddy shelducks nest in tree hollows in NW China's Xinjiang

Shiliuyun-Xinjiang Daily (Reporter Zhao Mei) news: It is commonly believed that wild ducks build their nests near water bodies. However, on April 6, 2026, Yuan Junping, a birdwatcher in Burqin County, Altay Prefecture, northwest China's Xinjiang, stumbled upon a rare sight: ruddy shelducks making their home in a tree hollow several meters above the ground.

Photo taken on April 6, 2026 shows a birdwatcher accidentally spots a ruddy shelduck flying onto a tree while taking photos of birds in Burqin County, Altay Prefecture, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. (Photo by Yuan Junping)

That day, Yuan and her companions were birdwatching in a forest farm near Burqin County when they suddenly heard the calls of wild ducks. Following the sounds, they discovered a female ruddy shelduck flying onto a tree, pausing for a moment, and then struggling to enter a tree hollow. On the grassy ground below, a male ruddy shelduck stood guard, vigilantly observing the surroundings. "I've never seen wild ducks nest in tree hollows before; it is quite novel," said Yuan, quickly pressing the shutter to capture several photos.

Upon closer observation, Yuan found that the tree hollow appeared to be a naturally formed cavity, with an opening about the size of a bowl and situated three to four meters above the ground. The surrounding area was lush with rivers and streams, and the vegetation was very dense. In addition to the ruddy shelducks, they also photographed other bird species such as the common starling, common kestrel, black kite, and chukar partridge. "Perhaps the ruddy shelducks felt it was safer to incubate their eggs in the tree hollow, so they chose to make their home there," Yuan speculated.

Photo shows a ruddy shelduck pauses briefly before struggling to enter the hollow. (Photo by Yuan Junping)

"Most waterfowl in the duck family build their nests near lakes or islands. However, some, like the ruddy shelduck and the common shelduck, choose to nest in cliff caves or tree hollows near water bodies," explained Ding Peng, a senior engineer at Xinjiang Boda Natural Science and Technology Co., Ltd. "The chicks of these waterfowl species must jump down from the trees within 24 hours of hatching and follow their mothers to forage for food in nearby waters."

Ruddy shelducks are relatively common migratory birds in Xinjiang. They have a chestnut-brown body with black beaks, feet, and tails. The males and females are quite similar in appearance, with the males having a distinctive black ring around their necks. The breeding season for ruddy shelducks runs from April to June each year. From late August to October, they begin their migration to wintering grounds, traveling with their families.

(A written permission shall be obtained for reprinting, excerpting, copying and mirroring of the contents published on this website. Unauthorized aforementioned act shall be deemed an infringement, of which the actor shall be held accountable under the law.)