Ruddy Duck
Oxyura jamaicensis
Length 35-43cm

N American species but feral populations now established in parts of C England following escapes of captive birds from the WWT reserve at Slimbridge, Gloucestershire. Compact, dumpy diving duck with short, stiff tail often held cocked at an angle. Male has orange-chestnut body plumage, white stern, white cheeks and black cap; bill is a striking plastic-blue colour. Female has mainly grey-brown plumage with paler cheeks broken by dark line from base of bill; could possibly be mistaken for little grebe if only partial view obtained. Favours lakes and flooded gravel pits with well-vegetated margins. Spends much of time in cover of emergent and overhanging plants. Rarely seen in flight. In spring, male performs curious chest-beating display resulting in froth of bubbles forming on water.