Ruddy Duck
| Irish Name: | Lacha rua |
| Scientific name: | Oxyura jamaicensis |
| Bird Family: | Ducks |
green
Conservation status
Conservation status
Status
Resident. American species, introduced into Ireland.
Identification
Small compact duck, with large head, strong bill and long stiff tail. Males in summer with chestnut body, black crown and back of neck, white chin and underparts, pale blue bill. In winter body dull brown and bill is grey. Females similar to winter males, but dark brown and off-white head, with diffuse dark stripe across cheeks.
Voice
Mostly silent. Males produce tapping sounds by beating bill against inflated chest.
Diet
Predominantly herbivorous. Dive in shallow water, and feed on waterweeds, particularly sedges, though insects and small crustaceans are also taken.
Breeding
Breeds by open freshwater lakes with fringe vegetation in which nests are hidden.
Wintering
Occurs on fresh and brackish water. Sociable.
Monitored by
Native of North America, now breeding across Europe and resident in Ireland.
Lough Neagh continues to support regular concentrations and highest numbers (up to 90 birds). Other regular sites include the Broad Water Canal in County Antrim, Wexford Harbour and Slobs in County Wexford and Lough Eorna in County Tipperary.
