Ruddy Duck (Oxyura jamaicensis)

 

Synonyms: Erismatura jamaicensis

 

Oxyura jamaicensis breeds in the Great Plains of North America from Alberta to central Mexico, and east to the Great Lakes and the Appalachians; also in the West Indies. Introduced in Europe. The northern populations are migratory, returning to the nesting grounds in early February-mid-May, and departing in September-October; winter in the southern United States and Central America. Ruddy Duck nests in marshes, lakes, and ponds with extensive emergent vegetation; up to 2,200 m. Wintering habitat includes larger lakes, brackish lagoons, and tidal estuaries. Small ducks (length 34-43 cm, weight c. 550 g) with long, stiff tails. Males in breeding plumage are bright chestnut, with blackish caps, white cheeks, and stout blue bills; females are grayish-brown. Nest is built of grasses, sedges, and other aquatic plants. Eggs (7-15) laid between late April and mid-June. Incubation 20-26 days. These diving ducks feed on aquatic invertebrates (notably midge larvae), but also seeds and roots of aquatic plants. Ruddy Duck is stable or increasing in North America, where it population exceeds 500,000.

 

		22523 Ruddy Duck (Oxyura jamaicensis), male San Antonio, Texas, USA Copyright © Michael Patrikeev All Rights Reserved
Unauthorized use of our images is NOT permitted.
Hotlinking or "pinning" of our images to websites is STRICTLY PROHIBITED.
Copyright © Michael Patrikeev - All Rights Reserved