RSPB
Skip navigation

Birds by name

Ruddy duck

Conservation status: Introduced

Ruddy 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.
This species is subject to a Government-led eradication programme. As a result, the UK population of ruddy ducks now stands at fewer than 150 individuals.

Overview

Latin name

Oxyura jamaicensis

Family

Swans, ducks and geese (Anatidae)

Where to see them

The UK's ruddy ducks are concentrated in the West Midlands, northern England, Anglesey and southern Scotland, where they can be seen on large lakes and reservoirs.

When to see them

At any time of year, though they are very secretive during the breeding season. They can gather in flocks on reservoirs in winter.

What they eat

Aquatic insect larvae and plant seeds.

Population

EuropeUK breeding*UK wintering*UK passage*
--90 birds-

* 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

Key

Please note that the map is only intended as a guide. It shows general distribution rather than detailed, localised populations.

Illustrations

Characteristics

Ruddy duck (female)

Ruddy duck - female
  • Colouring: Female
  • Size: between pigeon-mallard
  • Feather colours: brown, black, white, cream/buff
  • Beak colours: black/dark grey, brown/buff
  • Beak length: long
  • Beak thickness: long
  • Beak shape: long
  • Leg colour: black/grey
  • Behaviour: part of flock, on ground, bird walks/runs on the ground, dives underwater

Ruddy duck (male)

Ruddy duck - male
  • Colouring: Male
  • Size: between pigeon-mallard
  • Feather colours: brown, black, white, red
  • Beak colours: blue
  • Beak length: long
  • Beak thickness: long
  • Beak shape: long
  • Leg colour: black/grey
  • Behaviour: part of flock, on ground, bird walks/runs on the ground, dives underwater

Similar birds