Ruddy Colors

[boneaddict]

Does anyone know when they change their colors over to their winter coat?  It seems I asked this on here before, but still have the question in my head.

[Choclab]

I have no clue....lol. Where are you seing ruddys?

[NWR]

The drakes end up in winter plumage after their summer molt. I have seen the drakes starting to show bill color and increased white markings starting to change back to breeding plumage in late December but most are still looking drab through our season. I haven't had much luck getting Ruddies to decoy to a diver rig so I made a Ruddy rig but have yet to set it. Maybe this year if I find some Ruddies to hunt.

[boneaddict]

I see them during the summer months where I really like to hunt.  usually they are gone by the tie the season begins.  Maybe they migrate out, maybe the youth hunters get to them first.

[Coasthunterjay]

It says on (BNA) Birds of North America that ducks have A complete Definitive Prebasic molt (i.e., winter plumage) begins in early Aug with Basic plumage retained through winter into early spring.
 
Im finding out more for you but i hope this is the answer. Good question though........