Redhead (bird)

The Redhead (Aythya americana) is a medium-sized North American diving duck. As its name suggests, the adult male Redhead is characterized by its striking reddish-brown head and neck, along with a gray back, black breast, and black tail. The female is a more muted brown color overall, with a paler cheek patch.

Description:

Redheads are relatively stocky ducks with a rounded head profile. They possess a blue-gray bill with a white band near the tip and yellow eyes. Their legs and feet are gray. They measure approximately 18-22 inches in length and weigh between 2 and 3 pounds. Juvenile birds resemble adult females.

Habitat and Distribution:

Redheads primarily breed in the prairie pothole region of North America, especially in areas of southern Canada and the northern United States. They prefer shallow wetlands and marshes with abundant emergent vegetation. During the non-breeding season, they migrate south to coastal areas, large lakes, and reservoirs in the southern United States and Mexico.

Behavior:

Redheads are social birds, often found in large flocks, particularly during migration and winter. They are diving ducks, feeding primarily on aquatic vegetation, seeds, and invertebrates, which they obtain by diving underwater. They are known to sometimes parasitize the nests of other ducks, especially Canvasbacks, laying their eggs in the other species' nests.

Conservation Status:

Redhead populations fluctuate based on habitat conditions and water levels in their breeding areas. They are susceptible to habitat loss and degradation due to agricultural practices, drainage of wetlands, and climate change. Hunting regulations are in place to manage populations and ensure sustainable harvests. While not currently considered threatened or endangered, ongoing monitoring and conservation efforts are important to maintain healthy populations of Redheads.