Ruddy ducks are not rare at all in the United States. In fact, I would consider them quite abundant, especially during the winter months in the Peninsula of Florida. I have personally observed large numbers of ruddy ducks in this area, with sightings of up to forty individuals in a single morning.
During the winter, many ruddy ducks migrate south to escape the harsh conditions in their breeding grounds. They can be found in a variety of freshwater habitats, such as lakes, ponds, and marshes. These ducks are known for their diving behavior, as they search for food underwater. They have unique stiff tail feathers, which they often hold upright, and this distinctive feature helps in identifying them.
One of the reasons why ruddy ducks may appear less common or rare to some people is because they tend to gather in large flocks, which can make them seem more abundant than other duck species. Their social behavior and tendency to congregate in large numbers can create the illusion of a higher population.
In my personal experience, I have had the opportunity to observe ruddy ducks in their natural habitat on numerous occasions. I have seen them diving and feeding, and their unique appearance always catches my eye. The males have a striking plumage during the breeding season, with bright chestnut bodies and blue bills. The females, on the other hand, have a more subdued appearance, with brownish feathers and a pale bill.
Ruddy ducks are not only abundant in Florida but can also be found in other parts of the United States. They have a wide distribution across North America, with breeding populations in the prairie pothole region, the Great Basin, and parts of the Midwest. They are also known to breed in parts of Canada and migrate to various wintering areas across the southern United States, including the Gulf Coast.
Ruddy ducks are not rare in the United States. They are actually quite abundant, especially during the winter months in the Peninsula of Florida. Their tendency to gather in large flocks and their distinctive appearance make them easily recognizable and a common sight in many freshwater habitats.