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Ruddy Ducks

picture of a female ruddy duck

Two native stiff-tailed duck species share North American territory.

The more wide ranging Ruddy duck (Oxyura jamaicensis) inhabits Western fresh water lakes and ponds year round.

They winter along the Atlantic Coast. One look at the female in the top pictures explains the nick-name. They swim tail up.

The bill of the male Ruddy Duck turns blue during the breeding season.

picture of a male ruddy duck

The Masked Duck (Nomonyx dominicus), inhabits warmer areas of the country such as southern Florida and Texas.

© 2009-2013 Patricia A. Michaels