Ferruginous Duck (Aythya nyroca)

The ferruginous duck breeds during May and June. The female builds a nest from reeds, grass and leaves and lines it with down from her breast. Well concealed in thick vegetation, she lays between seven and ten eggs which she incubates for 25 to 28 days. Ferruginous ducks share a seasonal pair bond, but the male habitually deserts the female during incubation (9). The chicks are tended by the female alone until they fledge at 55 to 60 days. They reach sexual maturity at one year (10). Ferruginous ducks are found singly or in small groups. They are active at night, foraging for seeds, aquatic plants, aquatic invertebrates, small fish, and amphibians. They feed by diving, dipping the head under water, up-ending, and dabbling (9).

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