Ferruginous White Eye Duck
The
Ferruginous Duck, also known to many breeders as the
"Fudge Duck", is a medium sized diving duck that breeds in many regions of Southern and Eastern Europe as well as Southern and Western Asia. They are a migratory breed and will spend the winter in the southern most parts of these regions as well as into Northern Africa.
The Male
Ferruginous Duck is more vividly colored than the females. Their plumage is mostly a rich reddish bronze or chestnut color. Their namesake comes from their yellowish white eye that is a stark contrast to their chestnut body plumage.
Ferruginous White Eye Ducks are a talkative duck species that will form large flocks with other breeds of diving ducks. They are seen with the
Tufted Duck and the
Pochard Duck. Like most other diving ducks, the
Ferruginous Duck will feed by diving or dabbling for aquatic plants, insects, mollusks, and sometimes small fish or amphibians.
