Stiff-tailed duck

The stiff-tailed ducks are part of the Oxyurinae subfamily of ducks. All have, as their name implies, long stiff tail feathers, which are erected when the bird is at rest. All have relatively large swollen bills.

These are freshwater diving ducks. Their legs are set far back, making them awkward on land, so they rarely leave the water.

Their unusual displays involve drumming noises from inflatable throat-sacs, head throwing, and erecting short crests.

Plumage sequences are complicated, and aging difficult.

the six species are:

• Ruddy Duck Oxyura jamaicensis
• Masked Duck Oxyura dominica
• White-headed Duck Oxyura leucocephala
• Maccoa Duck Oxyura maccoa
• Argentine Blue-bill Oxyura vittata
• Blue-billed Duck Oxyura australis