- Oxyura jamaicensis
Identification
A small diving duck - Male has striking blue bill and white cheeks. The head is dark brown and body is a rich red/brown. Female is a dull brown all over with bold pale cheek markings. Compact body with large head and stiff tale give it a very distinctive shape.
Native of North America, introduced to the UK and Europe, where hybridisation with white-headed duck is causing some concern. Currently there is a controversial attempt to irradicate ruddy duck from the UK.
