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Ruddy Duck

Oxyura jamaicensis ORDER: ANSERIFORMES FAMILY: ANATIDAE

IUCN Conservation Status: Least Concern

A member of the tribe of "stiff-tailed ducks," the Ruddy Duck has a spiky tail that it often holds straight up in display.

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Appearance

Ducks
Ducks
Typical Voice

Adult Description

  • Small duck.
  • Large white cheek patches.
  • Dark cap.
  • Bill blue or bluish.
  • Long tail often held up.
  • Breeding male bright cinnamon red.

Immature Description

Similar to adult female.

Range Map Help

Ruddy Duck Range Map
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Field MarksHelp

Similar Species

Similar Species

  • Female Black Scoter has whitish cheeks, but is larger, darker, has a dark chest, and prefers salt water (ruddy prefers fresh water).