Ruddy Duck--Oxyura jamaicensis

Male Ruddy Duck in Breeding Plumage at Mason Regional Park . A resident species of Orange County, California.

This is one of my favorite ducks. It is a resident of Orange County California and in fact to North and South America. The tell-tale sign of a raft of sleeping Ruddy Ducks are the stiff tails that jut out of the water. It is only in breeding season in Spring and Summer that the male Ruddy Duck sports a blue bill. At other times, it has a dark, brown bill.

Male Ruddy Duck in non-breeding plumage at Mason Regional Park.

The Ruddy Duck's plumage is also changes with the seasons. While the breeding plumage of the male Ruddy Duck is chestnut brown, it fades to a nondescript brown retaining the dark black cap and white cheek.  The bill becomes dark brown.

Female Ruddy Duck at at Mason Regional Park swimming with her tail down.


The smaller female Ruddy Duck has dark brown plumage and a whitish cheek with a streak from the bill toward the back of the head. 

Ruddy Duck (breeding plumage) in typical sleeping posture. You can see why it is classed with the "stiff-tailed duck" family. Note the ruddy color of the back and sides.   This is where the Ruddy Duck gets its name.

Ruddy Ducks eat aquatic seeds and vegetation.   They also eat small fish crustaceans, and aquatic insect larvae. 

What you often see when you find Ruddy Ducks.  A raft of Ruddy Ducks.

The challenging thing about getting a good look at a Ruddy Duck is that it keeps disappearing below the surface of the water to get those aquatic plants and animals.   Ruddy Ducks are diving ducks.  They don't dabble on the surface like Northern Shovelers, Mallards, or American Wigeons.  They dive and resurface a minute or so later in a different spot.   Just when you think you have it in view, it disappears.  They are much more likely to dive away than fly away.  Their legs which are set farther back on their bodies than Mallards, help to make them strong swimmers, but clumsy when it comes to walking on the land. 

Male Ruddy Duck


Ruddy Ducks can be found in the Americas.  From North America to South America, Ruddy ducks can be found. in coastal bays, freshwater marshes, natural and man-made lakes, and even ponds.   

Male Ruddy Duck with his bill almost all blue.   He is almost done changing into his breeding plumage.

Though they can be found in both salt and fresh water, they breed only in fresh water.  They are silent except when the Ruddy Duck drake is courting.  He makes some strange unduck like pops and whirrs.  The male puts on quite a show that can go on for hours. 

Male Ruddy Duck almost entirely in his breeding plumage.

 The nest is well hidden.  The female lays eggs in her own nest and other nests she finds in the area.  She doesn't care if they are Ruddy Duck nests or not, she lays eggs in whatever nest strikes her fancy.  Her eggs are the largest compared to body size of any duck in North America.  She is lucky if the male stays through the nesting phase.  Even then he does little to help.  They breed in June through the early part of July. 

Male Ruddy Duck

While we love to see the Ruddy Duck and enjoy this native species presence, it has been introduced in Europe where it is an alien species. Its hybridization with its already threatened European cousin, the White-headed Duck, has caused concern across the pond.  Ruddy Ducks are pretty much despised in Europe and they are attempting to save their own related native White-headed Duck by killing the invasive Ruddy Duck.  They have much the same attitude as many here have regarding the European Starling which was introduced in the 1800s and threatens many of our native birds by its aggression.

"A massive cull of ruddy ducks is about to begin in Europe in an effort to save Spain's white-headed duck. The ruddy duck, a native of North America, is now interbreeding with its close relative. Conservationists say the white-headed duck will soon be wiped out if drastic action isn't taken to stop the sexually precocious invader." National Geographic: Humans Are Driving Birds to Extinction, Group Warns

Ruddy Duck at Mason Regional Park in Irvine, California from OC Birder Girl on Vimeo.

But back at home where he belongs, the Ruddy duck is a part of the habitat and a joy to behold.  Birds should be left where they have created a niche in their native habitat.


So when you are out in the OC, enjoy our native Ruddy Duck in its native habitat--Orange County, California.







External Links and Resources

All About Birds: Ruddy Ducks

Animal Diversity Web: Ruddy Duck

The Birds of North America Online

This service is by subscription only,  but they have some previews.  Very good information.

BirdWeb: Ruddy Duck

Ducks Unlimited: Ruddy Duck

A hunters' organization. Very much conservationists. Good article.  Also see their article on Ruddy Duck courtship.

Internet Bird Collection: Ruddy Duck

Oiseaux: Ruddy Ducks

A European view of the Ruddy Duck which is an invasive species there.

South Dakota Birds: Ruddy Ducks

USGS: Ruddy Duck

Bird Life: White-headed Duck

The European cousin of the Ruddy Duck that has been endangered by loss of habitat, hunting, and hunter's lead shot, pollution, habitat disturbance, and hybridization with our Ruddy Duck which was introduced in Europe.

Where can you see Ruddy Ducks?

Ruddy ducks can be seen at fresh water lakes, ponds, and at estuaries.  Try these locations:

Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve

Huntington Central Park

Mason Regional Park

San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary

Upper Newport Bay Ecological Reserve aka Newport Back Bay

Redhead--Aythya americana

Male Redhead at small, private "lake" or pond in Orange County

One of the least common ducks in North America (according to the USGS), the male Redhead is striking and easy to spot. It has a dark red head, black chest, gray back and a black tail end. Its eyes are a bright yellow. Its bill is bright blue, ending with a indistinct pale stripe and a black tip. The female also has the same indistinct pale stripe and a black tipped bill, but her bill is more grayish-blue. (Bill is similar in pattern to the Ring-necked Duck.) Their feet are blue-gray with the males having brighter feet than the females. The female Redhead is brown with a white eye ring. Her eyes are brown. During the molting season, the male's head temporarily becomes less red. As in many species, the immature closely resembles the female. The females weigh less than the males, but otherwise are the same size. According to the USGS, the oldest recorded age for a wild Redhead is just a few months over 22 years old.






Male and Female Redheads at Irvine Regional Park in Orange, California background and Ring-necked Ducks in foreground.


Redheads are crepuscular (occurring at dawn and dusk) and nocturnal feeders. They combine diving and dabbling feeding styles, but are primarily diving ducks. They feed on almost entirely on plant matter including wild celery, wetland grasses, and the leaves, roots, seeds, and stems of aquatic plants. A small amount of their diet consists of fish, insects, and other aquatic life. During breeding season, before laying eggs, the female switches to a mostly animal based diet.


Male Redhead at Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve

Redheads are at home in either salt water or fresh or anywhere in between. They dive and dabble in the water. They can be found in lakes, bays, estuaries, and ponds. Habitat loss is cited as the reason experts believe this species has declined. It is hopeful to note that the population of Redheads in North American appears to be increasing.




Male Redhead with Male Scaups at Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve

Redhead females are often the initiator in courtship, but not always. Sometimes they string two males along until the males clash and one leaves. Courtship begins in late winter and by late April the eggs are beginning to be laid. After the eggs are laid, the male takes off. Females often lay their eggs in the nests of other Redheads, other duck species or the nest of any handy species. They have even been know to lay eggs in the nests of American Bitterns and Northern Harriers both of whom nest on the ground. Breeding season lasts until late June. Nests close together.

Male Redhead at Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve

Redheads breed in Alaska, the southern part of Canada, and in the northern part of the lower 48 States. They winter from California and along the Gulf of Mexico and south into Mexico.




Male and Female Redheads at Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve
Similar species are the Canvasback, and the Ring-necked Duck. The Ring is shaped similarly, but is black, white, and gray with no red. The bill is a lighter shade of blue.



Male Canvasback

Photo Courtesy of US Fish and Wildlife Service. (Eugene Hester, photographer)  Note the differences between the Redhead and the Canvasback: A thin, black, tapered bill, long neck, and a red eye. The head of the Canvasback is more brown than the Redhead whose head is a much brighter red. The Redhead has a much more rounded head and bill, a blue bill, and yellow eyes. The Redhead and the Canvasback hybridize. Sibley makes a point in Sibley's guide to birds that only the male hybrids would be obvious, but the female hybrids may often be missed.

Male Redhead at small private lake or pond in Orange County



Redheads tend to move around in flocks. Like Cedar Waxwings, or Cattle Egrets, they can turn up unexpectedly.

Male Redhead at small private lake or pond in Orange County



Female Redheads have a harsh sounding quack. The male "meows" during courting.






Redhead - Delta Waterfowl Species Profile on YouTube

Check out the educational video put out by a hunting association above.

Male Redhead at small private lake or pond in Orange County


The Redhead is a very pretty bird and a nice one to see. Next time you are near water, scan the lake, pond, or estuary for this handsome duck, and have fun birding in Orange County.

Male and female Redhead at small private lake or pond in Orange County

Redhead--Aythya americana from OC Birder Girl on Vimeo.

Below are some videos I took of the Redhead at the private lake or pond in Orange County.

Redhead--Aythya americana II from OC Birder Girl on Vimeo.

OC Birder Girl Links

The Wild Ducks of Orange County

Birding Hot Spots in Orange County, California

Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve

Irvine Regional Park in Orange, California

External Links and Resources

All About Birds: Redhead

Detailed article about the Redhead.

Animal Diversity Web: Redhead

Detailed article.

BIOLOGICAL AND ECOTOXICOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF TERRESTRIAL VERTEBRATE SPECIES RESIDING IN ESTUARIES

Interesting information regarding the population of Redheads in the United States.



BirdWeb: Redhead


Helpful.



Honolulu Zoo: Redhead

Detailed profile.

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Surf Scoter--Melanitta perspicillata

Male Surf Scoter at Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve

"He looks like he's wearing clown make-up!" the little boy exclaimed as he watched the Surf Scoter paddle closer and closer to the footbridge at Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve. Birding near children is always entertaining. And the little boy was right. It does look like clown make-up. The male Surf Scoter's bill is big and colorful. He has two large white spots on his head. One on his forehead and one on the back of his head. Rather flashy. He has white eyes which stand out against his black feathers.

Female Scoter at Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve

The female Surf Scoter is more low-key. She is brown with a large bill and white spots on either side of the bill at the base. There is another smaller white spot behind the eye.

Male Surf Scoter--a flashy fellow.

The Surf Scoter is sturdy sea duck that feeds by diving to get is food. Surf Scoters eat mollusks. crustaceans, aquatic invertebrates, and aquatic plants. Mussels are a large part of their diet. As you may deduce from their name, Surf Scoters dive into the breaking surf or waves looking for food. They often dive or float together in large groups--safety in numbers. However, you can also find them alone, or with a few other Surf Scoters or other species of diving ducks. In addition to the ocean, you will also find them in estuaries and lakes (usually during breeding season).



Female Surf Scoter

These are large ducks, and it takes a running start for them to become airborne, i.e. to fly. The male Surf Scoter's wings have no white on them. They are sturdy, not graceful like the Northern Pintail. Surf Scoters are the only scoters to breed exclusively in the Americas. Female and Male Surf Scoters stay together until the serious brooding starts and then the males leave.

Male Surf Scoter

I have seen Surf Scoters at Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve, and would not be surprised to see them in the open ocean or at the Upper Newport Bay Ecological Reserve.

Male Surf Scoter from behind

Once you see the bill, it's a piece of cake, but what if you don't see it? Sometimes the back may be all you see as it is swimming away from you. Sometimes you may just see a black duck with a white patch sleeping in a raft of other ducks. The white patch is diagnostic.




Male and female Surf Scoters at Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve

When you are out birding, look for the white patch in rafts of sleeping birds. You may be looking at a Surf Scoter. Have a great time birding in Orange County!






Links

All About Birds: Surf Scoter

Detailed page about the Surf Scoter. Maps, photos, range, habits, and more.

BirdWeb: Surf Scoter

From Washington State Audubon a good page on Surf Scoters.

Natural History of Waterfowl: Surf Scoter

From the Virtual Birder a very good and detailed article on the Surf Scoter.

Sea Duck Joint Venture: Surf Scoter

Very good information about the Surf Scoter including articles, photos, conservation status, links, and more.

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The Wild Ducks of Orange County

DABBLING DUCKS (AKA Puddle Ducks)

American Wigeons at Huntington Central Park having a whistling contest.

Eurasian Wigeon at Huntington Central Park. This is a rare bird, but is regulary seen around Orange County in the fall and winter.

Blue-winged Teals at Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve

Cinnamon Teals at San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary

Mallards--Huntington Central Park

Northern Pintails at Newport Back Bay

Female and Male Northern Shovelers at San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary

Male Northern Shoveler at San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary

Female Northern Shoveler at San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary

Male and female Green-winged Teal at Newport Back Bay

Male Green-winged Teal--Newport Back Bay

PERCHING DUCKS

Male Wood Duck--Aix sponsa at Irvine Regional Park in Orange, California

Female Wood Duck--Aix sponsa at Irvine Regional Park in Orange, California

Male Mandarin Duck (Exotic--non-native Asian species--most are escapees) at San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary. Seen from time to time in Orange County, CA.









Female Mandarin Duck (exotic Asian species--non-native--most are escapees) at Huntington Central Park

DIVING DUCKS

Male Bufflehead Duck at Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve

Female Bufflehead Duck at Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve

Male Ruddy Duck Foreground non-breeding plumage at Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve

Male Ruddy Duck in almost full breeding plumage. Just a little black still on the tip of the otherwise bright, blue bill.

Female Ruddy Duck at at Mason Regional Park swimming with her tail down.

Male Surf Scoter at Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve

Female Surf Scoter at Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve

White-winged Scoter--female looks like the Surf Scoter female with less clearly defined white patches. This is a rare bird for Orange County. Photo taken at Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve .

Male and female Redhead--Aythya americana at Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve

Canvasback Ducks Photo Courtesy of US Fish and Wildlife Service.  Photographer Donna Dewhurst.

Male and Female Lesser Scaups at Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve

Male Ring-necked Duck Photo Courtesy of US Fish and Wildlife Service.  Photographer--Lee Karney.












Ring-necked Duck Courtesy of US Fish and Wildlife Service.  Photographer Dave Menke.

Red-breasted Merganser at Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve

Here is a male Hooded Merganser courtesy of US Fish and Wildlife Service photographer Tim McCabe. The Hooded Merganser is a rare bird for this area but turns up regularly in our rivers, lakes, estuaries, and ponds. Places like Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve, and Upper Newport Bay Ecological Reserve aka Newport Back Bay, San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary, and several of the Regional Parks.


Here is a female Hooded Merganser courtesy of US Fish and Wildlife Service photographer Glen Smart. Again, a rare bird that turns up on a regular basis.


So when you are out birding in fall, winter, and early spring keep your binoculars and camera ready to spot some great wild ducks in Orange County! Check out the links below for more on ducks and places to go bird watching to see ducks. We have lots of birding hot spots in Orange County where you can see wild ducks.






OC Birder Girl Links







Odd Ducks



Strange-looking ducks and duck-like birds you might see in Orange County.












Birding Hot Spots in Orange County, California



Orange County, California has many great birding places including wonderful parks, nature centers, wildlife refuges, wilderness areas, and a national forest.




















Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve
Great place to see wild ducks or do any kind of birding. You can see more of the wilder variety here like Northern Pintails, Buffleheads, Scaups, Mergansers, and Scoters as well as Ruddy Ducks, American Wigeons, and Northern Shovelers.













Central Park in Huntington Beach
Another birding hot spot. Ruddy Ducks, American Wigeons, Mallards, and Northern Shovelers.













Mason Regional Park



Lots of surprises here as far as birding. You never know what you might find. Mostly Ruddy Ducks, American Wigeons, and Mallards though.











San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary



Wilder fresh water ducks and the more common ones, too. Ruddy Ducks, American Wigeons, Pintails, Buffleheads, and Northern Shovelers.







Tewinkle Park -- Costa Mesa

Mostly the usual park fair with a few occasional surprises.

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