Ruddy Duck

Quick chest taps gather speed, then spill into the male’s funny little belch at the end of the display.

Breeds across the prairie pothole region of North America and locally in the western U.S., Canada, and Mexico; winters throughout the southern U.S., Mexico, Caribbean, and coastal areas as far south as Central America.

Prefers shallow freshwater ponds, marshes, prairie potholes, and slow-moving wetlands with abundant emergent vegetation; winters on larger lakes, reservoirs, protected coastal bays, and estuaries.

Breeding males adopt their colorful plumage from late spring through midsummer; large southward movements begin in late September, with winter flocks forming October–March; northbound migrants return March–May.

The Ruddy Duck is a compact, small stiff-tailed duck with a broad, scoop-shaped bill and a cocked tail that is often held upright. Males in breeding plumage show a rich chestnut body, sky-blue bill, and striking black-and-white head pattern. Outside the breeding season both sexes appear gray-brown, yet the distinctive tail posture and large head help separate them from other ducks. They are diving specialists, spending most of their time on the water and seldom walking on land.