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  • Ruddy duck

Ruddy duck

Ruddy duck (male)
Ruddy duck (male)
Ruddy duck (female)
Ruddy duck (female)
  • Scientific name: Oxyura jamaicensis
  • Bird family: Ducks, geese and swans
  • UK conservation status: Introduced
  • Protected by The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981

Key information

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 100 birds.

What they eat:

Aquatic insect larvae and plant seeds.

Measurements:

Length:
35-43cm
Wingspan:
53-62cm
Weight:
350-800g

Population:

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.
UK breeding:
Fewer than 100 birds
UK wintering:
60 birds

Identifying features:

This bird species has different identifying features depending on sex/age/season.

Ruddy duck (male)

Ruddy duck male
Feather colour: Black Brown Red White
Leg colour: Grey
Beak: Blue Long Duck-like Chunky
Natural habitats: Wetland

Ruddy duck (female)

Female ruddy duck
Feather colour: Black Brown Cream/buff White
Leg colour: Grey
Beak: Black Brown Long Duck-like Chunky
Natural habitats: Wetland

Similar birds:

Male smew
Smew

Where and when 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.

* This map is intended as a guide. It shows general distribution rather than detailed, localised populations.
  • Resident
  • Passage
  • Summer
  • Winter
Ruddy duck distribution map

Ruddy ducks can be seen at any time of year, though they are very secretive during the breeding season. They can gather in flocks on reservoirs in winter.

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