          |
Latin nameOxyura jamaicensis FamilySwans, ducks and geese (Anatidae) OverviewRuddy ducks are small, stout freshwater diving ducks with broad, short wings and narrow, stiff tails. The male ruddy duck has a bright chestnut body, black crown, white cheeks and blue bill. They swim buoyantly, often with the tail cocked up, and can also gradually submerge without diving. They hardly ever leave the water, being very ungainly on land. They were brought here from North America to enhance captive wildfowl collections. Subsequent escape and successful establishment outside of the UK has resulted in a European conservation problem due to them hybridising the white-headed duck. Where to see themThe UK's ruddy ducks are concentrated in the West Midlands, northern England, Anglesey and southern Scotland. When to see themAll year round What they eatAquatic insect larvae and plant seeds Estimated numbers
* UK breeding is the number of pairs breeding annually. UK wintering is the number of individuals present from October to March. UK passage is the number of individuals passing through on migration in spring and/or autumn. Distribution
Please note that the map is only intended as a guide. It shows general distribution rather than detailed, localised populations. |
 Male  Female Similar birds |
Silhouetted rushes, Inishcreenry, Upper Lough Erne - Andy Hay (rspb-images.com)
Male ruddy duck swimming in pond - Nigel Blake
Bird illustrations by Mike Langman (RSPB)