Adult male Ruddy Duck (Oxyura jamaicensis) in breeding plumage performing a "bubbling display". In this display, which is used in both courtship and aggressive territorial encounters, the male holds its head and tail and 2 rows of feathers on its crown (“horns”) erect and inflates its neck. It then beats its bill rapidly against its neck, forcing air out of feathers, causing bubbles to appear in the water.  A low wheezing belching sound is uttered at the end of the display. Alberta, Canada. May.
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Adult male Ruddy Duck (Oxyura jamaicensis) in breeding plumage performing a "bubbling display". In this display, which is used in both courtship and aggressive territorial encounters, the male holds its head and tail and 2 rows of feathers on its crown (“horns”) erect and inflates its neck. It then beats its bill rapidly against its neck, forcing air out of feathers, causing bubbles to appear in the water. A low wheezing belching sound is uttered at the end of the...
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