Ruddy Ducks are diving ducks in the subfamily (tribe) Oxyurini, the Stiff-tailed Ducks. In winter they are plentiful in the Bay Area, and are one of the species least bothered by human presence. At the Las Gallinas ponds they can often be viewed hanging out pretty close to shore, which may explain why I like to photograph them. Here's the female, seen at the southwest corner of pond #1. Head/bill profile pretty distinctive. Unlike the male Ruddy, she won't change a whole lot as the season progresses.
The male Ruddy Duck is easily identified by his white cheek, but in his early winter "basic" plumage he is otherwise much like the female. Note the stiff tail, a feature easily seen at a distance. The female can also raise her tail, but perhaps does do less often. As the winter progresses the bill color of the male will become dark blue, presaging a more dramatic high breeding plumage.
An older photo shows how the male will look in the spring, with full ruddy color on the body, darker cap and tail, and unreal sky blue on the bill. Taken at Shollenberger Park in Petaluma some years ago.
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