ruddy duck

noun

1. a stiff-tailed American duck, Oxyura jamaicensis, the adult male of which has a brownish-red body, black crown, and white cheeks.

ruddy duck

noun

1. a small duck, Oxyura jamaicensis , that inhabits marshes, ponds, etc, in North America and N South America and has a stiff upright tail. The male has a reddish-brown body and blue bill in the breeding season

Word History and Origins

Origin of ruddy duck¹

An Americanism dating back to 1805–15

Example Sentences

One of the most curious ducks I have ever seen was the ruddy duck, called in the scientific manuals Erismatura rubida.

From Project Gutenberg

“We are in great luck to-day,” said Burns, as he cut a ruddy duck in twain.

From Project Gutenberg

Been captured by a gang of Chamber of Commerce men, who are feeding him ruddy duck and terrapin and ten-dollar champagne.

From Project Gutenberg

The ruddy duck often dives or swims away from danger rather than flying.

From Project Gutenberg