General Description: Ruddy Ducks (Oxyura jamaicensis) are small, sexually dimorphic pond ducks. Both genders have stiff tails that they hold upright unless they are trying to hide. In breeding season, males are reddish-brown (chestnut) with a dark head and neck, white face patch, and blue bill. Outside the breeding season, the males are more dull and lose the blue on the bill, but retain a dirty-white face. Females are mottled brown overall, with a dark cap and a light face patch with a dark stripe across the cheek.

Taxonomy: Anseriformes, Anatidae, Anatinae

Favored Habitat: Ponds, marshes, and lakes deep enough for diving.

Where to Find: Neighborhood ponds, parks (e.g., Lorenzi Park and Sunset Park), and the Henderson Bird Viewing Preserve. To find them in more natural habitat, visit the Pahranagat Valley or Overton Wildlife Management Area.

Comments: Ruddies feed in vegetation, bugs, and other stuff on the bottom of ponds, so they dive to feed.