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Ruddy Duck

Oxyura jamaicensis

The Ruddy Duck is a small, colorful bird known for its bright blue bill and rusty-red body. Male Ruddy Ducks are especially striking during mating season when they show off their beautiful colors.

Habitat: Wetlands

Appearance

The Ruddy Duck is a small, stout duck with a distinctive stiff tail often held upright. Breeding males have a bright blue bill and rusty-red body, while females are duller brown with a dark bill stripe and paler cheek.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderAnseriformesFamilyAnatidaeGenusOxyura
Ruddy Duck
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Ruddy Duck

Category

Birds

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

A male Ruddy Duck’s bill turns a super bright sky blue during mating season!

Ruddy Duck eggs are surprisingly huge, making them one of the biggest duck eggs!

Ruddy Ducks are very clumsy on land but are amazing underwater swimmers!

These ducks can hold their stiff tail feathers straight up in the air!

Special abilities

Ability

Underwater Steering

Ruddy Duck has a stiff, fan-like tail that helps them steer expertly underwater and when performing unique courtship displays.

Ability

Slow-Mo Heart

Ruddy Duck can slow its heart rate and oxygen use, allowing them to stay underwater for surprisingly long periods.

Measurements & details

Length
35-43 cm
Wingspan
53-62 cm
Weight
0.42-0.85 kg
Lifespan
5-13 years
Top Speed
60 km/h
Clutch Size
6-10
Incubation
23-26 days
Migration Distance
3000 km

Diet & Feeding

They mostly eat tiny aquatic insects and plants found by diving deep underwater.

Age differences: Young chicks eat more insects, while adults consume more plant material.

Primary Foods

  • aquatic insects
  • crustaceans
  • plant seeds
  • algae
  • roots

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

eaten by

Bald Eagle

Haliaeetus leucocephalus

Bald Eagles are aerial predators that hunt adult Ruddy Ducks.

eaten by

Great Horned Owl

Bubo virginianus

Great Horned Owls can snatch ducks from the water at night.

parasitizes

Mallard

Anas platyrhynchos

Ruddy Ducks sometimes lay their eggs in the nests of other ducks.

eats

blood midge

Chironomus plumosus

Ruddy Ducks dive for midge larvae and other tiny aquatic insects.

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Always watch birds from a distance and do not try to touch them.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is Ruddy Duck?

35-43 cm

What is Ruddy Duck's wingspan?

53-62 cm

How much does Ruddy Duck weigh?

0.42-0.85 kg

How long does Ruddy Duck live?

5-13 years

How fast can Ruddy Duck move?

60 km/h

What does Ruddy Duck eat?

They mostly eat tiny aquatic insects and plants found by diving deep underwater.

Where is Ruddy Duck usually found?

Wetlands

How does Ruddy Duck hunt?

Foraging

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Where to spot

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