Day 10: Ruddy Duck

Species: Ruddy Duck

Current status: Released

Number of days in care: 4 days

This adult male Ruddy Duck was admitted on July 7th after being found at the Santa Barbara Zoo with blood on its beak.

The intake exam noted mild dehydration, a corneal ulcer in the right eye, left shoulder swelling, and damaged tail feathers. Initial treatment included antibiotics, pain management, and supportive care. Over four days, the duck's health improved, including eye treatments and supervised swims.

By July 11th it was returned to the wild at the Andree Clarke Bird Refuge in Santa Barbara, CA.

Ruddy Duck Fun Facts:

• Ruddy Duck eggs are the largest of any duck species, relative to body size, and hatch into well-developed ducklings that need little care.

• Fossils of Ruddy Ducks, dating back over 11,000 years, have been found across several U.S. states, from Oregon to Florida.

• Ruddy ducks typically live up to 13 years in the wild.

• Ruddy Ducks dive underwater to hunt for aquatic invertebrates like insects, snails, and worms. In winter, they filter water for plants and seeds when animal prey is scarce.

• Ruddy Ducks are mostly silent. Females use nasal calls to gather their brood, high-pitched calls to deter males, and hisses when threatened. Males produce a belch-like call during courtship. Hear more here.