The Ruddy Duck is recognizable by shape alone, with a swooping bill, thick neck, chunky body, and cocked tail. The rich, rufous male accents his fine plumage with a cartoonish courtship display in which he whacks his bill against his breast feathers to create a little swirl of bubbles.
Ruddy Duck
Oxyura jamaicensis
Photo:
The State of Canada's Birds is presented in partnership by Environment and Climate Change Canada and Birds Canada.
Ruddy Duck
Status and Trends
Distribution
Methods
The State of Canada's Birds is presented in partnership by Environment and Climate Change Canada and Birds Canada.
Did you know
Summary
Trend
Large Increase
Confidence: Medium
Goal
Within Goal Range
The Canadian population of Ruddy Duck is concentrated primarily in the Prairie Pothole region, with smaller numbers as far north as southern Yukon and Northwest Territories, and scattered occurrences in Ontario and Quebec. The wintering range ranges from southern British Columbia across the southern United States to Mexico and the Caribbean. There are approximately 430,000 individuals breeding in Canada, representing 33% of the global population and a moderate degree of responsibility for Canada. The Waterfowl Breeding Population and Habitat Survey indicates that the population has more than tripled since 1970, but confidence is only medium, as the Breeding Bird Survey shows little change over the same period. The national population of Ruddy Duck is within its goal range.
Migration Strategy
Short-distance
Canadian Responsibility
Population Estimates
Breeding
430,000
Annual
430,000
Global
1,300,000
Related readings
Summary report
View the report
Trends from this species and others are rolled up into The State of Canada’s Birds Summary Report. Follow the link below to view the report, learn more about birds in Canada, and see how we can all help birds.
This species is included in the following analysis groups for the report:
Wetland Birds
Waterfowl
Environment and Climate Change Canada and Birds Canada. 2024. The State of Canada’s Birds – Ruddy Duck. Data accessed from NatureCounts, Birds Canada.
https://doi.org/10.71842/xh58-0t26
The State of Canada's Birds is presented in partnership by Environment and Climate Change Canada and Birds Canada.
Did you know
The Ruddy Duck is recognizable by shape alone, with a swooping bill, thick neck, chunky body, and cocked tail. The rich, rufous male accents his fine plumage with a cartoonish courtship display in which he whacks his bill against his breast feathers to create a little swirl of bubbles.
Distribution and Occurrence
46804
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Get Involved
Citizen Science is vital to monitoring birds in Canada. Participating in programs like the ones below helps monitor this species.
Breeding Bird Survey
Christmas Bird Count
Great Backyard Bird Count
Become a Citizen Scientist today!
Follow the link below to learn about more programs that you can participate in to help monitor birds in Canada.
Learn more
Related readings
Summary report
View the report
Trends from this species and others are rolled up into The State of Canada’s Birds Summary Report. Follow the link below to view the report, learn more about birds in Canada, and see how we can all help birds.
This species is included in the following analysis groups for the report:
Wetland Birds
Waterfowl
Environment and Climate Change Canada and Birds Canada. 2024. The State of Canada’s Birds – Ruddy Duck. Data accessed from NatureCounts, Birds Canada.
https://doi.org/10.71842/xh58-0t26