North American Ruddy Duck: here’s the scoop
threats
The overall population trend is decreasing, although some populations may be stable. Ruddy ducks depend heavily on wetlands in the prairie pothole region of North America, where grazing, burning, and wetland drainage have degraded portions of their habitat. Their future success will depend in large part on the protection and restoration of that region.
Species
North American Ruddy Duck
Scientific name
Oxyura jamaicensis
Habitat
Breeding season is spent in large marshes, stock ponds, reservoirs and deep natural basins. During winter months, they inhabit freshwater wetlands, lakes, reservoirs, coastal marshes and tidal estuaries
Diet
Aquatic invertebrates, larvae, insects, aquatic plants and seeds
life expectancy
10 – 13 years
Did you know?
Ruddy ducks lay the largest of all duck eggs relative to the size of their body.
Range
Canada, United States, Mexico, Central America, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Jamaica
Conservation status
Least Concern
Widespread and abundant
