Subject: Ruddy Duck female, Oxyura jamaicensis

Location: Alamosa National Wildlife Refuge, Colorado

Stock Number: 04-1936

Comments: Male Ruddy Ducks in their breeding colors have a baby blue bill. Females don't have the blue bill, but like the males they do sport a distinctive stiff tail. Females have a light-colored line below the eye, and a dark-colored line below that.

The species is also notable for a relatively large head and broad bill.