Ruddy Duck, Oxyura jamaicensis


Ruddy Duck


Ruddy Duck


Ruddy Ducks

Ruddy Duck
Ruddies are unusual among ducks in that the males are in non-breeding plumage, above, for about half the year; in most ducks, the bright male breeding plumage is present for the whole year except for the female-like eclipse plumage briefly held after the breeding season. The male non-breeding plumage lacks the dark stripe on the cheek that is found on the female.
 

Ruddy Duck
A male Ruddy bubbling -- a behavior described by the US Fish and Wildlife Service thus: "While attracting females or keeping other males away, a male ruddy duck displays behavior known as 'bubbling'. The male repeatedly slaps its bill against its chest, forcing air out of the feathers and into the water. This produces the 'bubbling' effect."

Ruddy Duck


Ruddy Duck