Oklahoma Winter Bird Profile: Ruddy Duck

A stiff tailed duck of winter, the Ruddy Duck male arrives before the female when it is time to breed.  Commonly found in the open waters of lakes, sheltered coves, and ponds in a tight cluster, these small, yet robust ducks will sometimes mix with other species.

These prairie pothole, southern Rocky Mountain, and intermountain western breeders construct nests in bulrush and cattails over water.  The diving ducks feed upon seeds, other vegetable matter, as well as protein, especially during breeding season.

The least number of overwintering birds is in the interior of the country, where they lethargically appear to be at rest most of the time.  Similar to what would be a bathtub rubber duck in appearance, in order to become airborne they run across the water.  It is suspected that these birds migrate at night.

                                                          Ruddy Duck in mid-Dive
                                                          Boomer Lake Park, 2015

The Dark-headed variant (nominate subspecies or Andean Duck) breeds in northern Mexico and commonly is found in Mexico and Guatamala in the winter.  It is a common resident of the Caribbean, and is also seen in South America where it is both common, as well as rare in the Andes vicinity.

Sometimes remaining locally longer than normal, the males will be observed in their breeding plumage, which includes a bright blue bill, nearly fluorescent white check patch, and a shiny chestnut colored body.  The breeding female is a dull brown with white cheek patch, and a dark cap.  During the winter, the female has a dark line across the cheek with a dull cheek patch, brown body and crown.  The adult male is a little brighter than her in his non-breeding plumage.

With legs that sit far back on the body, they do not move well on land.