Ruddy DuckRuddy Duck -- South Dakota Birds
| Length: 15 inches | Wingspan: 22 inches | Seasonality: Summer/Migrant |
| ID Keys: Blue bill, black cap, white face, stiff black tail. | ||
Ruddy Duck
Oxyura jamaicensis
A unique small duck, readily identifiable by the male's bluish bill (in breeding plumage), white face, and long, stiff, upright black tail (See photo at the right). Ruddy Ducks are often reluctant to fly, and when disturbed, often will sink below the surface and swim away underwater like a grebe rather than fly away. They are nearly incapable of walking on land, with legs and feet set very far back on the body. Ruddy Ducks are generally relatively tame, making it susceptible to hunting pressures.
Habitat: Breeds on freshwater ponds and lakes with marshy borders. Many winter along coastlines in shallow bays and estuaries, but some may be found inland where open water is available.
Diet: Seeds, other plant material including roots and leaves, aquatic insects and their larvae, crustaceans, mollusks, occasionally small fish.
Nesting: June and early July.
Breeding Map: Breeding Bird Survey map
Song: Generally silent
Migrations: Summers throughout much of the western half of the United States and Canada, locally around the Great Lakes. Summers near both coasts, the southern United States, and points south.
Similar Species: Masked Duck (only found well south of the state).
Status: Much less common than in 19th century.
Hunting and habitat loss led to decreases in both numbers and range.
Further Information: 1) USGS Patuxent Bird Identification InfoCenter, Ruddy Duck
2) Cornell University's "All About Birds - Ruddy Duck"
Photo Information: May 5th, 2006 -- Kingsbury County -- Terry L. Sohl
Additional Photos: Click on the image chips or text links below for additional, higher-resolution Ruddy Duck photos.
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Please mail any comments/suggestions/additional links for this page to: Terry L. Sohl
This page was last edited on 02/03/08
