ruddy duck

American  

noun

1. a stiff-tailed American duck, Oxyura jamaicensis, the adult male of which has a brownish-red body, black crown, and white cheeks.

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ruddy duck British  

noun

1. a small duck, Oxyura jamaicensis , that inhabits marshes, ponds, etc, in North America and N South America and has a stiff upright tail. The male has a reddish-brown body and blue bill in the breeding season

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Etymology

Origin of ruddy duck

An Americanism dating back to 1805–15

Example Sentences

Christie, who has responded to dozens of oil spills in her career, was at work when the ruddy duck she released into the wild Wednesday first arrived at the facility for care.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 14, 2021

Back at the harbor, another small waterbird — an eared grebe — was released alongside the ruddy duck Wednesday.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 14, 2021

Coast Guard said there so far was just one ruddy duck that was covered in oil and receiving veterinary care.

From Fox News • Oct. 4, 2021

There and at ponds on the north side of Miller Butte there were also mallards, buffleheads, a greenwing teal, pintails, a couple of hooded mergansers, a ruddy duck and others.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 26, 2017

In summer they provide nesting areas for waterfowl, especially for two endangered species, the redhead and the ruddy duck.

From "Silent Spring" by Rachel Carson