Birds of North Carolina
their Distribution and Abundance
Scientific Name:
Common Name:
 Family (Alpha):
ANATIDAE Members: Ruddy Duck 192
General Comments
This reasonably tame duck occurs in large numbers in winter in the state, though (as with most waterfowl species) more frequently in coastal areas. Ruddy Ducks often occur in tight, dense flocks, but it has a tendency to be somewhat local, especially on inland lakes. A handful of birds over-summer in the state, mostly near the coast, and conclusive breeding has been documented on at least two occasions. It shows little favoritism regarding fresh and salt water in its winter habitats. It is found widely on embayed rivers such as the lower Neuse and Pamlico rivers, Pamlico Sound (though not normally in the open center of the bay), and other bays. But, large numbers also winter on refuge impoundments (such as at Bodie and Pea islands), lakes, and ponds, both coastally and well inland.
Breeding Status
Accidental Breeder
NC BRC List
Definitive
State Status
none
U.S. Status
Definitive
State Rank
S5N
Global Rank
G5
Coastal Plain
Winter resident, and accidental breeder. In winter, common to locally abundant in the Tidewater and northern coastal areas; common along the southern coast. Farther inland, it is local, being uncommon to locally common on lakes and ponds. Generally late Oct to mid-Apr. Two pairs nested at Pea Island in 1953 (Pearson et al., 1959); and it has bred at Pamlico Point impoundments (Pamlico), at least in 1969 (Chat 34:92). Birds can remain in some areas all summer, such as at the Goldsboro sewage treatment plant, but no further conclusive nesting has been documented. Peak counts: 12,000, lower Neuse River (Craven), 8 Mar 1981; 9,000, Lake Mattamuskeet, 20-31 Oct 1995; inland peak count -- 1,000 at Goldsboro on 21 Jan 2016.
Piedmont
Winter resident. Uncommon to locally common, more frequent in the eastern portions of the province, such as lakes and ponds in Wake; mainly early Nov to mid-Apr. A handful of summer records, but no evidence of breeding in the province. Peak counts: ?
Mountain
Transient and winter visitor. Generally rare in midwinter, and rare to uncommon in migration; mainly on lakes and ponds at low elevations in the southern mountains. Mainly early Nov to mid-Apr. Peak count: 11, Lake Toxaway, 1 Jan 1997.
Finding Tips
The species can almost always be seen in winter at coastal NWR's such as Pea Island and Mattamuskeet. The Pamlico River and Neuse River ferries often encounter them. Some inland reservoirs, such as Lake Crabtree, are also consistently good for them.