©
Nigel Key Ruddy Duck
(Slimbridge August 2009)
The Ruddy Duck is a stiff-tailed duck from North America and the Andes of South America.
The Ruddy Duck is now established in the United Kingdom from escapees and they have also widely spread across Europe.
Due to the Ruddy Ducks aggressive courting behaviour and its tendency to interbreed with the native White-Headed Duck, there is a controversial scheme to extirpate the duck as a British breeding species.
| Hear the Ruddy Duck's Call:- |
|
|
Conservation Status
Size
350mm to 400mm (14" to 16")
Appearance - Male
The male has chestnut Brown plumage with a White face and a Black cap which extends to just below the eye and down the back of the neck. The bill is light Blue, the tail is dark Brown and the legs and feet are Blue/grey.
Appearance - Female
The female has Grey/Brown plumage with a dark cap, lighter cheeks with a stripe and Grey bill, legs and feet.
Habitat
Wetlands, Marshy Lakes and Ponds.
Diet
Aquatic Plants, Insects and Crustaceans.
Breeding Time
Mid April to July.
Nest
The nest is built from grass in dense vegetation near water.
Eggs
Quantity: 6 to 10
Colour: Off White.
