The Ruddy Duck is a unique waterfowl species, easily recognized by its distinctive features. Males in breeding plumage display a striking sky-blue bill, a bright white cheek patch, and a rich chestnut body. They also possess a stiff tail that they habitually hold upright, often nearly vertical to the water. This compact duck has a robust body and a thick neck.
Geographic Distribution
Ruddy Ducks are native to both North and South America, establishing a widespread presence across these continents. In North America, their primary breeding grounds are concentrated in the prairie pothole regions of south-central Canada, including Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba. Breeding populations also extend across the western United States, reaching as far east as the Great Lakes region and south into central Texas and Mexico’s transvolcanic belt. Scattered breeding sites can also be found in the eastern United States and throughout the Caribbean islands.
During the non-breeding season, these ducks migrate to warmer wintering grounds across the southern half of North America. This range includes coastal areas of California, the Great Lakes region, and the Atlantic coast south of Maine. Their wintering distribution extends further south through Mexico, reaching into western Guatemala and El Salvador. Non-migratory populations are present in certain parts of Mexico, the Caribbean, and the southern United States. In South America, Ruddy Ducks are found in the West Indies, Colombia, and the Andes Mountains, where two distinct subspecies inhabit wetlands at elevations up to 4,500 meters.
Preferred Aquatic Environments
Ruddy Ducks prefer shallow, permanent freshwater. They are commonly found in marshes, ponds, and lakes with abundant emergent vegetation. This plant growth, such as cattails, bulrushes, and sedges, provides concealment and nesting material.
Nests are typically constructed within this vegetation, often positioned a few inches above the water’s surface. These habitats are particularly suitable due to their rich supply of aquatic invertebrates, including midge larvae and small crustaceans, which form a significant part of the ducks’ diet. During winter months, their habitat preferences expand to include shallow coastal bays, larger lakes, reservoirs, and both fresh and saline coastal marshes. These ducks forage by diving.
Seasonal Migration Patterns
Ruddy Ducks exhibit distinct seasonal migration patterns, moving between their breeding and wintering territories. These movements primarily occur at night, with ducks traveling in small groups, typically ranging from 5 to 15 individuals. Their migratory routes fan out from northern breeding grounds, heading southwest, south, or southeast.
Spring migration begins as early as February for the southernmost populations. This movement peaks between mid-March and April, with most birds arriving at their breeding sites by April or early May. Fall migration from breeding areas commences in August and September. Their journey to wintering grounds peaks between September and October. While many populations are migratory, some in Mexico, the Caribbean, and the southern United States are year-round residents. In California, breeding populations may relocate to coastal environments for the winter.