Blue-billed Duck vs Ruddy Duck

Blue-billed Duck

Oxyura australis

Large798 gWetland

The tail feathers for both the male and female are made up of thick, spine-like shafts. The tail is usually held flat on the surface of the water, or held erect when defensive. The male also holds the tail erect during courtship displays. The feet are quite powerful, which aids in swimming and diving. The duck sits low in the water in comparison to other ducks. During breeding season, apart from the aforementioned bright-blue bill, the male's head and neck are glossy black, and the back and wings are a rich chestnut.

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Photo: Thekoreangothic at English Wikipedia · Public domain

Ruddy Duck

Oxyura jamaicensis

Large608 gWetland

The ruddy duck is a small, compact duck with a stout, scoop-shaped bill, and a long, stiff tail which it holds cocked upward. It has a slightly peaked head and a fairly short, thick neck. The male ruddy duck has a blackish cap that contrasts with its bright white cheeks. In summer, it has a rich chestnut body with a bright blue bill. In winter, it is a dull gray-brown above and paler below with a dull gray bill. The female and first-year male are brownish, somewhat like the winter male but with a blurry stripe across the pale cheek patch. Voice: Both male and female ruddy ducks are not known to be very vocal most of the year, though they do become more vocal when courting and raising young. Males are known to produce short "aa-anh" calls and other noises in short bursts.

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Photo: John Krampl · CC BY 4.0

Photos and recordings are credited to their authors under the licence shown. Full profiles: Blue-billed Duck and Ruddy Duck.