ruddy duck

1. Bird Name
The bird we are focusing on is commonly known as the Ruddy Duck, with the scientific name Oxyura jamaicensis.

2. Appearance
The Ruddy Duck is easily identifiable with its distinctive, brightly colored plumage. Males, more so during their breeding season, display a rich chestnut-red body with striking white patches along their cheeks. They also have a uniquely teal-blue, rather stout bill which contrasts with their coloration. Females, on the other hand, are a more demure grayish-brown color to blend with their surroundings when nesting, with a diffused white patch at the cheek. Both genders have stiff, spiky tail feathers, long gray legs, and intensely blackish upperparts. Their eyes are a deep, dark brown.

3. Size
Ruddy Ducks are compact birds, averaging about 34 – 43 centimeters (13.4 – 16.9 inches) in length. Females tend to be slightly smaller than males. Their average weight varies from 500g to 750g (1.1 – 1.7 pounds). Their wingspan is relatively short for a bird of their size, generally measuring around 52-60 cm (20.5-23.6 inches).

4. Habitat & Distribution
Ruddy Ducks are found throughout much of North America, Central America, and parts of South America. They prefer freshwater habitats like marshes, lakes, ponds, and other wetlands. Originally, they inhabited only North America, but an introduced population spread throughout Europe, becoming an invasive species.

5. Interesting Facts
One interesting fact about Ruddy Ducks is their unique courtship display which includes a bubbling sound effect. Males beat their bill against their neck so fast which it creates bubbles in the water! They are also the only duck to have the body capacity to compress feathers and squeeze out air so that they can sink under water, acting like submarines. They hold cultural significance to the native tribes who lived in their habitats, and the bird was used for food and decorative purposes.

6. Diet
These ducks are primarily filter feeders, taking in mouthfuls of water and forcing it out through the bill to retain tiny plants (like algae) and animals. They also eat a variety of aquatic invertebrates, seeds of aquatic plants, insect larvae, and occasionally, small fish.

7. Behavior & Sounds
Ruddy Ducks are nocturnal feeders. They spend much of their time in the water, and when they fly, it is with fast, direct flights. Their call is a squeaky, farty “brrt,” often heard during courtship rituals.

8. Conservation Status
According to the IUCN Red List, the Ruddy Duck is of Least Concern due to its wide distribution and stable population. However, in parts of Europe, they are considered a menace due to their aggressive nature and breeding with the endangered white-headed duck.

9. Lifespan
The average lifespan of a Ruddy Duck in the wild is about 13 years. In captivity, they can live up to 15 years with proper care and diet.

10. Additional Notes
In Spanish-speaking regions, this bird is known colloquially as “Pato Esquisto,” and in French, it is called “Erismature rousse.” Ruddy Ducks play an important role in their ecosystem by controlling insect and algae populations. They are typically shyer and more retiring around humans but can become quite aggressive during the mating season. Rapid back-and-forth head-pumping, tail-raising, and producing a series of tapping, belching notes while puffing out the chest, are all signs of a male asserting his dominance.