The redhead is a medium-sized diving duck. The scientific name is derived from Greek aithuia, an unidentified seabird mentioned by authors including Hesychius and Aristotle, and Latin americana, of America. The redhead is 40–56 cm (16–22 in) long with an 74–84 cm (29–33 in) wingspan; the weight ranges from 1,030–1,080 g (36–38 oz), with males weighing an average of 1,080 g (38 oz) and females an average of 1,030 g (36 oz). It belongs to the genus Aythya, together with 11 other described species. The redhead and the common pochard form a sister group which together is sister to the canvasback. This waterfowl is easily distinguished from most other ducks by the male's copper colored head and pale blue bill during the breeding season; from its close relative canvasback it is distinguished by the more rounded head, shorter bill, and yellow, not red, eye. The Eurasian common pochard is even more similar, but very rarely overlaps in range; it also differs in having a red eye, and a more acute, less rounded head shape.
Region
North America
Typical Environment
Breeding primarily occurs in the Prairie Pothole Region of the north-central United States and southern Canada, favoring marshy lakes and pothole wetlands. In winter, Redheads move south to ice-free waters along the Pacific, Atlantic, and Gulf coasts, and large inland reservoirs and lakes. They are common on the Gulf of Mexico, in Mexico’s interior lakes, and in the lower Colorado River basin. During migration they use major flyways, stopping at large marshes and open lakes. They frequent fresh to brackish waters with abundant submerged vegetation and open water for diving.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2500 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
The Redhead is a North American diving duck noted for the male’s rich copper head, pale blue bill with a black tip, and striking yellow eye. It often practices brood parasitism, laying eggs in the nests of other ducks, especially canvasbacks and other pochards. Large winter flocks gather on coastal bays and big inland lakes, where they dive for submerged plants and invertebrates. They are strong fliers but require a running takeoff from the water.
Female
Neck-stretching courtship ritual of the adult male redhead depicted in Audubon's Birds of America in 1843.
Temperament
social and gregarious
Flight Pattern
strong flier with rapid wingbeats; takes off by running along the water
Social Behavior
Outside the breeding season, Redheads form large rafts on open water, often mixed with other diving ducks. They nest near water in dense emergent vegetation, typically in semi-permanent marshes and potholes. Females frequently lay eggs in the nests of conspecifics and other duck species (brood parasitism). Pair bonds form on wintering grounds and break down after nesting begins.
Migratory Pattern
Seasonal migrant
Song Description
Males give a soft, catlike meow or whee-oo and low grunts during courtship. Females produce harsher quacks and growling grunts, especially near the nest. Vocalizations are most frequent in courtship flocks and at breeding territories.
