Ruddy Duck

Pato Chorizo

Oxyura jamaicensis

The ruddy duck (Oxyura jamaicensis) is a species of duck in the family Anatidae. The ruddy duck is one of six species within the stiff-tailed ducks (genus Oxyura). Stiff-tailed ducks occupy heavily vegetated habitats in North and South America as well as the British Isles, France, and Spain. In the 1940s, the ruddy duck was introduced to the United Kingdom, where it has since established a growing population. Outside the Americas, the ruddy duck is considered a highly invasive species, prompting many countries to initiate culling projects to eradicate it from the native ecosystem. The generic name is derived from Ancient Greek oxus meaning "sharp", and oura meaning "tail". The specific name jamaicensis means "from Jamaica". The ruddy duck has also been nicknamed "butterball", a term used to describe an individual that is somewhat fat, due to its short and stout stature making activities like flying and walking upright awkward.