Ruddy Duck vs White-headed Duck

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

White-headed Duck

Oxyura leucocephala

Large661 gWetland

Adult males have a grey and reddish body, a blue bill and a largely white head with a black cap and neck. Adult females have a grey-brown body with a white face and a darker bill, cap, and cheek stripe. Length is 43–48 cm (17–19 in) and weight is 580–750 g (1.28–1.65 lb).

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Photo: (c) Christoph Moning, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Christoph Moning · cc-by

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