Ruddy Duck

Description: The ruddy duck is a small, chunky, thick-necked, wide-billed diving duck with stiff tail feathers, which it uses as a rudder. It swims very low in the water with the tail cocked up. In the summer, the drake’s body is chestnut-colored with a blue bill and white cheek patches. By hunting season, the body turns to brown with a black bill, though it retains the white cheek patches. The hen is brown with a dull black bill, a darker crown and chest, and a dark brown streak on a whitish face. Drakes are slightly larger than hens. Average size: 14 ½-16 inches. Average weight: ½ -1 ½ pounds.

Science: Ruddy ducks breed in most western states, extending through western Canada and the Great Lakes area. Their migration begins in September, when they flock and raft in large numbers. They prefer marshes, weedy ponds, and shallow lakes. They winter throughout the southern United States and Mexico and along the Pacific and Atlantic coasts. While they also eat the larva of aquatic insects, they feed mostly on aquatic plants. Ruddy ducks are generally silent and have no call. The population is stable.

Hunting: Most birds are taken incidentally by hunters pursuing other types of waterfowl. The eating quality is fair.