Phenology and Diurnal Behaviour of Ruddy Shelduck Tadorna ferruginea at Oglat Eddaira (Ain Ben Khlil) Wetland, Southwest of Algeria

Abstract

The ecological study (phenology and daytime budget) of ruddy shelduck Tadorna ferruginea (Anatidae) at Lake Oglat Eddaira (Ain Ben Khlil), Southwest of Algeria, was carried out for three consecutive years from August 2017 to July 2020. While ruddy shelduck has the status of a sedentary species, it was found all year round, persisting at low numbers in mid-summer months (July–August). The numbers of ruddy shelduck began to increase from the first decade of September with the arrival of the wintering and breeding populations. High numbers of ruddy shelduck were mainly recorded between late January and early March. During our monitoring, the balance sheet of the rhythms of daytime activities was dominated by feeding in water and on banks (68%), followed by preening (16.77%), swimming (9.85%,), sleeping (4.67%) and flying (1.22%). Therefore, we can conclude that Oglat Eddaira wetland plays the role of a diurnal grazing ground for this Anatidae.