The ruddy duck is a species of duck in the family Anatidae. The ruddy duck is one of six species within the stiff-tailed ducks. Stiff-tailed ducks occupy heavily vegetated habitats in North and South America as well as the British Isles, France, and Spain. In the 1940s, the ruddy duck was introduced to the United Kingdom, where it has since established a growing population. Outside the Americas, the ruddy duck is considered a highly invasive species, prompting many countries to initiate culling projects to eradicate it from the native ecosystem.
Region
North America
Typical Environment
Breeds widely in prairie potholes and marshy lakes of the western and central United States and Canada, wintering to the southern U.S., Mexico, and the Caribbean. Prefers shallow lakes, ponds, and marshes with abundant emergent vegetation such as cattails and bulrush. Introduced populations established in the United Kingdom, France, and Spain, where they frequent similar habitats. Generally favors protected, densely vegetated waters for nesting and open patches for feeding.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2500 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
Ruddy ducks are compact, diving ducks known for the male’s sky-blue bill and cocked, spiky tail during the breeding season. They are native to North America but were introduced to the UK and parts of Western Europe, where they became invasive and hybridize with the endangered white-headed duck, prompting control programs. They prefer dense emergent vegetation for nesting and perform distinctive courtship displays with bill-drumming and bubble-blowing.
Oxyura jamaicensis - MHNT
A female ruddy duck with six ducklings
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats; low, direct flights; reluctant to fly when undisturbed
Social Behavior
Often gregarious outside the breeding season, forming loose flocks on open water. Breeding occurs in dense emergent vegetation; pairs form seasonally and nests are built over water. Females lay clutches in concealed cups and occasionally engage in egg-dumping in neighbors’ nests. Courtship involves tail-cocking, bill-drumming on the chest, and bubble-blowing displays.
Migratory Pattern
Seasonal migrant
Song Description
Generally quiet; males produce hollow tapping and grunting sounds during displays, often accompanied by bill-drumming. Females give soft nasal quacks and harsh scolds when alarmed near the nest.
