The Ruddy Duck is a member of the "Stiff-Tailed Duck Family". This duck family is characterized by small and stubby ducks, with a short thick neck. The Ruddy Duck is small and chunky, about 11" long, with a long tail that is often held straight up while swimming. Their wings are short and rounded, but they are able to fly fast with rapid wing beats. The male in breeding plumage has a chestnut body (see the one on the far left), black crown, and white cheeks. Females and winter males are dusky brown, with whitish cheeks. The female has a dark stripe across her cheeks. They are commonly found on lakes and ponds in the southern United States. They are usually silent even when in a flock like this one.
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