Ruddy Duck

Oxyura jamaicensis

At the Zoo

The ruddy ducks can be found in the ponds of the South American Tropical Rainforest and Aviary.

Fascinating Facts

• Ruddy ducks lay large, white eggs, the largest of all duck eggs relative to their body size.
• They don’t usually make any sounds or calls unless trying to attract a mate.

Physical Characteristics

Males and females have subtle differences in appearance, depending on season. Both have blue bills, with females’ being a paler blue. Males have purely white faces; females have a black stripe across their mostly white face. Males tend to be slightly larger in wingspan and weight.

Habitat/Diet

Ruddy ducks are native to North and South America but have been introduced in Europe. They inhabit temperate, freshwater environments. During breeding season, they seek out areas with lots of vegetation to hide their nests. They are omnivorous and eat mostly vegetation and aquatic invertebrates.

Social Behavior

Ruddy ducks can sink below the water’s surface, allowing them to evade predators. When trying to attract a mate, males will beat their bill against their neck hard enough to create bubbles in the water. During breeding season, they can be especially aggressive toward each other and other species.

Status In The Wild

Least Concern – IUCN 2014. With stable populations throughout their large range, ruddy ducks are not considered vulnerable.