Ruddy Duck

The Ruddy Duck, Oxyura jamaicensis, is a small, stout North American waterfowl, easily recognized by its stiff, spiky tail often held erect. The species exhibits sexual dimorphism, with males donning a blackish cap contrasting starkly against white cheeks. In breeding plumage, males are resplendent with rich chestnut bodies and sky-blue bills, while in winter, their attire is a more subdued gray-brown with paler undersides and dull gray bills. Females and immature males share a brownish plumage, distinguished by a faint stripe across their pale cheek patch.

Identification Tips

When identifying the Ruddy Duck, look for its compact shape, stout bill, and the characteristic tail held aloft. In flight, they reveal dark wing tops. Males in summer are particularly striking with their chestnut and blue coloring, while females and non-breeding males are more demure in their brown and gray tones.

Habitat

These ducks favor marshy lakes and ponds for their breeding grounds, where they can be found nestled in dense marsh vegetation.

Distribution

As migratory birds, Ruddy Ducks breed in North America and spend winters along coastal bays, unfrozen lakes, and ponds.

Behaviour

Ruddy Ducks are adept divers and swimmers, often seen foraging underwater. They are known for their unique courtship displays and are generally monogamous, forming pairs annually.

Song & Calls

The vocalizations of Ruddy Ducks are less commonly heard, but they include a series of mechanical clucks and chattering notes during courtship.

Breeding

The female Ruddy Duck is responsible for constructing the nest out of grasses, carefully hidden among tall vegetation to evade predators. Clutches typically range from 5 to 15 ducklings.

Diet and Feeding

Their diet consists primarily of seeds and roots of aquatic plants, supplemented by aquatic insects and crustaceans.

Conservation status

The Ruddy Duck is currently listed as Least Concern by the IUCN, indicating a stable population. However, in Europe, they are considered an invasive species and have been subject to culling due to their impact on native species and habitats.