What's a Ruddy Duck?

The ruddy duck is a duck from North America and one of the stiff-tailed ducks. The genus name is derived from Ancient Greek oxus, "sharp", and oura, "tail", and jamaicensis is "from Jamaica".

What is a ruddy duck considered?

Basic Description. Ruddy Ducks are compact, thick-necked waterfowl with seemingly oversized tails that they habitually hold upright. Breeding males are almost cartoonishly bold, with a sky-blue bill, shining white cheek patch, and gleaming chestnut body.

Why is it called a ruddy duck?

The RUDU are in the family of stiff-tailed ducks, with spiky tail feathers that are often cocked high in the air. The name Ruddy is for the rust-red breeding plumage of the male. The Ruddy Duck together with the Cinnamon Teal are the only waterfowl to breed both in N.