Ruddy Duck – Oxyura jamaicensis

The ruddy duck is a diving duck, slightly larger than the common teal. In their festive plumage, the males are chestnut brown throughout, with the exception of the head, and have black caps and white cheeks. The beak is a striking blue colour. Females are greyish brown throughout, with only white cheeks as a clearly distinguishable feature from other parts of the body. Both sexes have considerably long tail feathers, which are often held erect while swimming. On average, ruddy ducks weigh 310–795 g and are 35–43 cm long.