Adventures Outdoors'
In Wisconsin
RUDDY DUCK
(Oxyura Jamaicensus)
ABOUT THEM
They are a Diver feeding on aquatic vegetation 75% of the time and 25% aquatic animals and insects. They often dive or swim away from danger than fly. But when they do fly their flight is low and jerky with very rapid wing beats flying 45mph. Drakes often cock their tails upright at an angle, the only species to do so. They are primarily silent but occasionally making a cluck sound. They are brightly colored in the summer but turning drab in winter. You may see them brightly colored at the beginning of hunting season but they soon turn drab. Most Hens do not breed until two years of age. They lay an average of 8 eggs and construct their nests in cattails and bulrushes over the water. They breed in the Prairie region of North America, intermountain west, and smaller numbers in Mexico, fresh water marshes in Baja California, the southern Rockies, and southern great plains. 55% of Ruddys winter along the Pacific coastal states and western coast of Mexico, and roughly 25% winter on the east coast with the remainder in the interior continent. They mostly are thought to migrate at night. The North American population is estimated at 650,000 Ducks.
DESCRIPTION
The Drake has a black crown, and white cheeks, chestnut red neck and upper body, silver and gray belly, bright blue bill, and gray feet.
The Hen has a dark brownish-gray cap, neck, upper breast, back, wings and tail, white underside, bars of black on back and lower breast, white cheeks, gray feet, legs, and bill.
SIZE
Average Length = 15"
Average Weight = 1.25lbs
Wingspan = 22"