The Ruddy Duck is a small, chunky duck with a stiff tail it holds cocked upright, and the male in breeding plumage has a vivid chestnut body, blue bill, and white cheeks. It is a diving duck that winter-swells large flocks on coastal bays and reservoirs. Females lay proportionally the largest eggs of any duck — each egg can be 3% of the female's body weight.
Best time to see a Ruddy Duck
The best time to see a Ruddy Duck is November–March, when about 65% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 44,617 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
Not certain it is a Ruddy Duck? What bird is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.
Recent Ruddy Duck sightings near you
Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.
Spotted a Ruddy Duck?
Point Huck at any plant, bird, or animal and know for sure - plus a live map of where it is being spotted near you.