Ruddy Duck
Learn to identify the Ruddy Duck by ear. Master the "bup-bup-bup-bup-bup-bup" phrase and tell it apart from similar species.
What the Ruddy Duck sounds like
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.
“bup-bup-bup-bup-bup-bup”
How to tell it apart
Where you'll hear it
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.
Similar species
Bufflehead
Bufflehead is slightly larger, with a shorter tail never held cocked
Blue-winged Teal (female)
Lacks stiff upright tail
Female Ruddy Duck vs Female Masked Duck
Masked Duck smaller and more secretive, with darker facial mask and barred flanks