They were more ruddy in body than rubies. --Lam. iv.
7.
2. Of a lively flesh color, or the color of the human skin in
high health; as, ruddy cheeks or lips. --Dryden.
{Ruddy duck} (Zo["o]l.), an American duck ({Erismatura
rubida}) having a broad bill and a wedge-shaped tail
composed of stiff, sharp feathers. The adult male is rich
brownish red on the back, sides, and neck, black on the
top of the head, nape, wings, and tail, and white on the
cheeks. The female and young male are dull brown mixed
with blackish on the back; grayish below. Called also
{dunbird}, {dundiver}, {ruddy diver}, {stifftail},
{spinetail}, {hardhead}, {sleepy duck}, {fool duck},
{spoonbill}, etc.
{Ruddy plover} (Zo["o]l.) the sanderling.
2. (Zo["o]l.) A river duck ({Spatula clypeata}), native of
Europe and America. It has a large bill, broadest towards
the tip. The male is handsomely variegated with green,
blue, brown, black, and white on the body; the head and
neck are dark green. Called also {broadbill}, {spoonbill},
{shovelbill}, and {maiden duck}. The Australian shoveler,
or shovel-nosed duck ({S. rhynchotis}), is a similar
species.
Note: The roseate spoonbill of America ({Ajaja ajaja}), and
the European spoonbill ({Platalea leucorodia}) are the
best known. The royal spoonbill ({P. regia}) of
Australia is white, with the skin in front of the eyes
naked and black. The male in the breeding season has a
fine crest.
(b) The shoveler. See {Shoveler}, 2.
(c) The ruddy duck. See under {Ruddy}.
(d) The paddlefish.