ODNR Division of Wildlife - A to Z Species Guide - Ruddy Duck

 Ruddy Duck

ruddy duck
Diving ducks frequent large, deep lakes and rivers, as well as coastal bays and inlets. When launching into flight, most of this group patter along the water before becoming airborne. They feed by diving, often to considerable depths. Since their wings are smaller in proportion to the size and weight of their bodies, they have a more rapid wingbeat than puddle ducks.


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Ruddy Duck
Oxyura jamaicensis

At-a-Glance

• Type: Diving Duck

• Incubation: 23-26 days

• Clutch Size: 5-15 eggs

• Young Fledge: 42-48 days after hatching

• Typical foods: aquatic plants, mollusks, fish, and shellfish

• Ohio Status: Species of Special Interest
Description
Part of a small group of ducks known as "stifftails," ruddy ducks are distinctive no matter the plumage, due to their small size and tail often held erect like a wren. It is a small duck with light colored cheeks. The tip of the tail appears very ragged due to the absence of upper tail coverts. Females have a dark longitudinal line under the eye on the cheek.

Habitat and Habits
The ruddy duck often dives or swims away from danger rather than flying. When flying, their small wings stroke so fast they resemble bumblebees. Drakes often cock their tails at an angle, the only species to habitually do so. Ruddy ducks migrate in the early to mid-fall. They are rare breeders here; male ruddys are not likely to be heard, but when courting they deliver a funny sound reminiscent of a lawn mower starting up.

Reproduction and Care of the Young
Nests are built out of grass in marshes. It is usually concealed by vegetation.