Subject: Ruddy Duck, Oxyura jamaicensis, juvenile plumage

Location: Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, Virginia

Stock Number: 6057

Comments: This species feeds on seeds of water plants, also the aquatic larvae of insects.

In breeding plummage, male Ruddy Ducks have a black crown and the rest of their head bright white, with a light blue beak. Most of the body of breeding males is chestnut, while the stiff tail is black.