Ruddy Duck
Least ConcernOxyura jamaicensis
Visual Identification
Ruddy Duck
Appearance
The Ruddy Duck is a compact, stiff-tailed diving duck with a distinctive profile.
Males in breeding plumage have a rich chestnut body, black cap, bright white cheeks, and a striking blue bill. Their fan-shaped tail is often held upright when swimming. Outside of the breeding season, males have much duller gray-brown plumage and a dark gray bill.
Females and non-breeding males are more subdued, with mottled brown plumage and a dark crown stripe. Both sexes have small, concave wings, thick, short necks and enormous webbed feed that is rarely seen out of the water. Juveniles resemble females but with less distinct markings.
Size
Length
35cm to 43cm
Wingspan
53cm to 62cm
Weight
450g to 850g
Habitat and Distribution
Habitats
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
Distribution
Ruddy Ducks inhabit freshwater marshes, ponds, and lakes with abundant emergent vegetation. They breed across western North America, from Alaska to Mexico, and have been introduced to Europe. In winter, they're found in coastal estuaries and large inland water bodies.
In the United States, they're common in the western states and along the Atlantic coast. The largest concentrations occur during the breeding season in South and North Dakota, Southwestern Manitoba, and neighboring states and provinces on either side of the USA/Canada border.
Ruddy Ducks are a controversial bird in the United Kingdom. They are very rare in the wild after a largely successful eradication program that began in 2005, and birdwatchers are encouraged to report sightings. They're also found in parts of mainland Europe and occasionally in New Zealand.
Elevation Range
Up to 2,200 meters
Climate zones
Temperate, Subtropical
Distribution Map
Distribution by Region
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
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Diet
Ruddy Ducks primarily feed on aquatic invertebrates, especially midge larvae, which they obtain by diving and straining mud through their specialized bill.
They also consume small crustaceans, mollusks, and some aquatic plants. Their diet varies seasonally, with more plant matter eaten during winter.
Behaviour
Ruddy Ducks are excellent divers, often submerging for up to 30 seconds while foraging. They rarely walk on land and prefer to spend most of their time on water.
During courtship, males perform an elaborate display, slapping their bill against their chest to create bubbles while making a soft drumming sound.
Vocalisation
Ruddy Ducks are generally quiet, but males produce a distinctive sound during courtship. This vocalization is a low, burping 'bub-bub-bubber-bub' often accompanied by bill-slapping on their chest.
Females make a softer, squeaking call, particularly when disturbed or communicating with ducklings.
Nesting & Breeding
Ruddy Ducks form pairs in late spring, with breeding occurring from May to August. Males perform elaborate courtship displays, including bill-slapping and bubbling behaviors to attract females.
Females construct nests over water in dense vegetation, using surrounding plants and their own down. They typically lay 6-10 creamy white eggs, which are notably large for the bird's size.
Incubation lasts about 23-26 days and is carried out solely by the female. Ducklings are precocial and able to swim and dive shortly after hatching, but they remain with the female for several weeks before becoming independent.
Lifespan
The Ruddy Duck typically lives for 10 to 15 years, with a maximum recorded lifespan of 20 years.
Like all birds, lifespan can be affected by factors including predation, habitat quality, disease, and access to food sources.
Conservation and Status
Global Conservation Status
While globally listed as Least Concern, Ruddy Ducks face challenges in Europe where they're considered an invasive species.
Control programs in the UK and other European countries aim to protect the native White-headed Duck from hybridization. In North America, wetland conservation efforts benefit this species.
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for their distinctive stiff, upright tail while swimming
- Observe their diving behavior, as they frequently submerge for food
- Listen for the male's unique bubbling display during breeding season
- In the UK, check reservoirs and gravel pits where they've become established
Additional Information
Quick Facts
Other names:
Stiff-tailed Duck, Spiny-tailed Duck
Family:
AnatidaePredators
Did You Know?
- Ruddy Ducks have the highest wing-loading of any duck, making them excellent divers but poor fliers.
- Their stiff tail feathers are used as a rudder underwater and as a prop when standing.
- The blue bill of breeding males is not feathered but consists of enlarged, modified skin.
- Ruddy Ducks are not native to the United Kingdom. They escaped captivity in the 1950s and quickly established themselves, eventually crossing to continental Europe and spreading to more than 20 other countries.
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FAQs
Why do Ruddy Ducks have blue bills?
Only the male Ruddy Duck develops a bright blue bill, and then only during the breeding season. His colorful bill and plumage are a display of his fitness and are used to impress potential mates.
Why are they called Ruddy Ducks?
The Ruddy Duck’s common name is not particularly inclusive across the species. Ruddy means reddish, which is a good description of the male’s rusty breeding plumage.
Can you eat Ruddy Ducks?
Ruddy Ducks fly chiefly at night and dive rather than flush, making them unpopular targets among waterfowl hunters. However, they are certainly edible and were once quite popular for their meat.
References
- 2
website: BirdLife International. 2018. Oxyura jamaicensis. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2018: e.T22727750A132178041.
View source - 1 4
report, 2006: Wetlands International
- 3
website, 2022: Partners in Flight
View source