Ruddy Duck vs White-headed Duck

In short

The Ruddy Duck and White-headed Duck are both stiff-tailed ducks, but they can be distinguished by the male Ruddy Duck's striking sky-blue bill and rich chestnut body, while the male White-headed Duck has a white head with a distinctive black cap and a pale blue bill. Both species are highly aquatic, but their ranges rarely overlap naturally.

Identification tips

• Male Ruddy Duck: Look for a sky-blue bill and chestnut body.
• Male White-headed Duck: Identify by the white head with a black cap and pale blue bill.
• Females: Note the more uniform brown of the Ruddy Duck compared to the paler face of the White-headed Duck.
• Behavior: Observe courtship displays; Ruddy Ducks have unique, comical displays, while White-headed Ducks have more intense behaviors.
• Habitat: Consider location; Ruddy Ducks are in North America, while White-headed Ducks are in Europe and Asia.

Size

Both species are similar in size, with compact bodies and stiff tails, typical of stiff-tailed ducks.

Plumage

Male Ruddy Ducks have a bright sky-blue bill and rich chestnut body, while male White-headed Ducks have a white head with a black cap and a pale blue bill. Females of both species are more subdued, but the Ruddy Duck female has a more uniform brown appearance compared to the White-headed Duck's paler face.

Behaviour

Both species are highly aquatic and prefer diving to escape threats. The Ruddy Duck is known for its comical courtship displays, while the White-headed Duck exhibits more intense courtship behaviors and male dominance hierarchies.

Habitat

Ruddy Ducks are found in North American prairie potholes and coastal habitats, while White-headed Ducks inhabit a variety of wetlands across the Palearctic, including saline and brackish environments. White-headed Ducks are more likely to be found in Europe and Asia.