Ruddy Duck Oxyura jamaicensis

Native to North America, this species had a sizeable feral population in the UK and was becoming increasingly common in Norfolk. The Iberian population of endangered White-headed Ducks Oxyura leucocephala was perceived to be under threat through hybridisation with British-origin Ruddy Ducks and as a result large-scale culls took place within the UK from 2005 onwards. As a consequence, the feral population in Norfolk and elsewhere in the UK is virtually extinct, although odd birds continue to be reported from time to time.

Ruddy Ducks, Bittering (Norfolk, UK), 8th October 2004

Ruddy Duck, Cley (Norfolk, UK), 10th September 2005

Ruddy Ducks (with American Coots), Famosa Slough (California, USA), 19th April 2005

Ruddy Duck, Kampen (Overijssel, Netherlands), 2nd February 2014

Ruddy Duck, Limantour (California, USA), 2nd May 2005

Ruddy Duck, Titchwell (Norfolk, UK), 22nd April 2004

Ruddy Duck, Titchwell (Norfolk, UK), 28th May 2004

Ruddy Duck, Whitlingham Country Park (Norfolk, UK), 17th January 2010

Ruddy Duck, Burnham Overy (Norfolk, UK), 31st January 2009

captive Ruddy Duck, private collection at Wereham (Norfolk, UK), 5th May 2017