Ruddy Duck

Scientific Name: Oxyura jamaicensis

Population Estimate: 550K, Least Concern status

Range / Habitat: Breeds in fresh water with vegetation but in non breeding season will prefer sheltered brackish or costal areas. Year-round in northern Mexico, Baja, and the western coast of South American. Winters on the coast of southeastern and northwestern US. Summers in western North America.

Field Notes: Small, stiff-tailed diving duck. Adult males have a rust-red body, a blue bill, and a white face with a black cap. Adult females have a grey-brown body with a greyish face with a darker bill, cap and a cheek stripe.

Personal Notes: We've seen these birds on the eastern-most part of their range in Minnesota.