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Help develop a Bird ID tool!

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.

Birds and Beans Coffee

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
View dynamic map of eBird sightings

Field MarksHelp

  • Male breeding
    Zoom In

    Ruddy Duck

    Male breeding
    • © Kevin T. Karlson
  • Female
    Zoom In

    Ruddy Duck

    Female
    • © Brian E. Small, February 2000
  • Male
    Zoom In

    Ruddy Duck

    Male
    • © Marie Read
  • Female (left) and male (right)
    Zoom In

    Ruddy Duck

    Female (left) and male (right)
    • © Kevin T. Karlson, Colorado, June 2000

Similar Species

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