Ducks at a Distance
A Waterfowl Identification Guide
Ruddy Duck
The ruddy duck often dives or swims away from danger rather than flying. When flying, their small wings stroke so fast they resemble bumblebees.
They are early to mid-fall migrants. Drakes often cock their tails upright at an angle, the only species to habitually do so. Both hens and drakes are silent in the fall.
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