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Ruddy Duck Sounds

Overview
ID info
Life History
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Sounds

Display
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California, June 02, 1996Recorded by Randolph Little | Macaulay Library
Calls
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Colorado, July 08, 2007Recorded by Andrew Spencer

Sounds provided by Macaulay Library.
Listen to more sounds of this species from the ML archive.

Calls

Ruddy Ducks are usually silent. The female gives a nasal call to beckon her brood, a high-pitched call to ward off amorous males, and a hiss when threatened. The male has only one call, a belch-like sound given during courtship displays.

Other Sounds

Courting males make hollow tapping sounds by slapping their bills across their chests as part of courtship displays. They also make popping sounds with their feet while running across the water during display flights.

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