Ruddy ducks are found throughout North and South America. They nest in western and central Canada and the western U.S. from the Great Lakes region to the Pacific coast. During breeding season they inhabit freshwater marshes, lakes and ponds. During seasonal migration they travel in large flocks.
The life of a ruddy duck
Ruddy ducks grow from about 14 inches to 17 inches, weigh up 1.75 pounds and live as long 13 years. Males tend to grow slightly larger than females.
During mating, males perform several courtship displays to attract females. They splash water and blow bubbles with their bills, do a dance, puff out and tap their chest with their bills. Females lay six to 10 eggs at a time.
Ruddy ducks occupy marshes near lakes and ponds with lots of vegetation to hide their nests. Females build nests just above water level and make a dome out of vegetation to help hide the nest from predators. Chicks can dive underwater to feed just 24 hours after hatching. They tend to feed at night and sleep during the day.
Ruddy ducks dive underwater to eat aquatic vegetation and catch aquatic invertebrates including insects, zooplankton and crustaceans, as well as worms, snails, larvae and mosquitos. Their predators include larger birds of prey like hawks and owls, and mammals like raccoons, minks, skunks, coyotes and red foxes.
Ruddy ducks at the zoo
Located in the Cascade Stream and Pond area.
