CLASS Aves ORDER Anseriformes FAMILY Anatidae . Ducks Unlimited conservation priority area, wintering habitat for half the Pacific Flyway ruddy duck population Sierra Nevada Ducks Unlimited conservation priority area, providing waterfowl nesting habitat and watershed impacts within the Central Valley The ruddy duck is a small duck with a compact body shape. The Ruddy Duck utilizes a variety of wetland habitats, including large wetland complexes, reservoirs, small stock ponds, and sewage lagoons (Brua 2002; Cadman et al. Preferred Habitat Ruddies are found in large marsh systems, stock ponds, reservoirs, and deep natural basins during the breeding season. Range North America. The primary requirements are extensive beds of emergent vegetation and scattered open water areas that allow enough room for birds to become airborne (Figure 4). They court females by beating their bill against their neck hard enough to create a swirl of bubbles in the water. All stiff-tailed ducks also have relatively large, swollen bills. In fact, they are part of a group called “stiff-tailed ducks.” The ruddy’s bright blue bill fades once the breeding season is over and the females have been thoroughly impressed. Habitat Fresh water marshes, ponds and lakes with emergent vegetation and areas of open water. What does this price … Breeding males have a chestnut body, black cap, white cheek, and baby-blue bill. Ruddy Duck – Ruddies have bright blue bills, and oddly stiff tails. Ruddy ducks can be found statewide in South Carolina during the winter months. Was: Original price US $15.99. The ruddy duck (Oxyura jamaicensis) is a duck from North America and one of the stiff-tailed ducks.The genus name is derived from Ancient Greek oxus, "sharp", … Ruddy Duck Oxyura jamaicensis. Ruddy ducks are one of the stiff-tailed ducks; they have long, stiff tail feathers, which are erected when the bird is resting. They also favor reservoirs, ponds, and deep natural basins during the breeding seasons. Breeding males are almost cartoonishly bold, with a sky-blue bill, shining white cheek patch, and gleaming chestnut body. Nesting Habitat: Ruddy ducks generally nest in bulrush and cattail stands surrounding wetlands. Females have a grayish brown body. Preferred Habitat: Ponds, lakes bay.. It has been introduced into several European and North African countries. Family: (Anatidae) Ducks, Geese and Swans . Winter males have a brown body, black cap and white cheek. Ruddy Duck. Ruddy Duck (Oxyura jamaicensis) Oxyura jamaicensis. Ruddy ducks lay the largest eggs of any duck in the world. GillCraft RW48 Ruddy Duck Federal Duck Stamp Save Our Wetlands & Habitat . Ruddy ducks are excellent swimmers but they are very clumsy on land. Often in tight groups bobbing like corks on ponds and bays. Small, compact duck with a long, fan-shaped tail, often held sticking up out of water. They use similar habitats in the winter months but can also be found in fresh and brackish coastal bays and tidal estuaries. Details about GillCraft RW48 Ruddy Duck Federal Duck Stamp Save Our Wetlands & Habitat . During reproduction, prairie potholes in the Midwest are also essential for their survival. Ruddy Ducks are compact, thick-necked waterfowl with seemingly oversized tails that they habitually hold upright. Item Information. Females and immature males are brown overall with a dark cap and dark line through the cheek. Habitat/Diet . Condition:--not specified. The Ruddy Duck can be found on freshwater marshes including those formed by the Great Lakes. Both sexes have a nondescript brownish wing with white flecking. King Eider – This species is a duck… Males have a reddish brown body, white face patch, dark brown cap, and blue bill. Diet seeds, sedges, grasses, pondweeds, algae, and small aquatic invertebrates Seasonal Occurrence: Very common November through April; uncommon in other seasons.. Notes: Ruddy Ducks are small, chunky, diving ducks.They are the most common of the stiff-tailed ducks sometimes found in large flocks. Oxyura jamaicensis: Description: 14-16" A small chunky duck with a long tail that is often held straight up. 2007).