Ruddy Duck
| Category | Fact |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Oxyura jamaicensis |
| Wing spread | 23 inches |
| Body length | 15 inches |
| Weight | 1.2 pounds |
| Description | The ruddy duck is a small duck with a compact body shape. Males have a reddish brown body, white face patch, dark brown cap, and blue bill. Females have a grayish brown body. Both sexes have a nondescript brownish wing with white flecking. |
| Nesting Habitat | Ruddy ducks generally nest in bulrush and cattail stands surrounding wetlands. |
| Clutch size | 8 eggs |
| Incubation period | 24 days |
| Status in North Dakota | Ruddy ducks are common during nesting and migration seasons in North Dakota. |
| Food habits | Feeds primarily on bulrush seeds and aquatic insect larvae. |
| Fun Facts | Ruddy ducks are sometimes referred to as bull-necked teal because of their chunky bodies and thick necks. |