Aythya Americana – Redhead

The redhead (Aythya americana) is a diving duck of modest size. The scientific name is derived from the Greek aithuia, which refers to an unidentified seabird reported by Hesychius and Aristotle, and Latin americana, which refers to America. It is classified as a member of the genus Aythya, along with 11 other recognized species. The redhead and common pochard are sibling species to the canvasback.

Quick Overview: Aythya Americana – Redhead
Body size: Around 18-22 in (46-56 cm) and a weight of 1219 g (43.03 oz)
Main colors: Gray, Black, White, Brown, Blue-Gray, Yellow
Range: Throughout the United States
Migratory Bird: Yes
Best time of the year to see in the U.S.: January, February, December
Conservation Status: Least Concern

Redhead Description

Gray back and sides, black upper back, breast, rump, and tail, and a white belly characterize this medium-sized diving duck. The head and neck are rufous-brown, with a black tip to the blue-gray bill; the eyes are yellow. Females are duller and browner in color, with a bright patch around the bill’s base.

Size

These birds have a length of 18-22 in (46-56 cm) and a weight of 1219 g (43.03 oz). Their wings could range from 29-35 in (74-89 cm).

Feeding

The diet of a redhead is primarily constituted of vegetable materials. It dives to the bottom of bodies of water in search of aquatic plants and mollusks, and dabbles on the surface of shallow marshes in search of insects.

Habitat

Aythya americana prefers shallow freshwater lakes, ponds, and marshes as a habitat. A body of water must be at least 28 inches deep in order for the ducks to dive. Marshes also provide a habitat for aquatic plants and vegetative cover, which serves as a form of protection.

Behavior

These nonbreeding hens are almost certainly mostly yearlings. Redheads began nesting in the grassland marshes and potholes around midsummer. Semiparasitic behavior is defined as a normal activity and egg-laying in other nests. When a hen lays all of her eggs in another duck’s nest, this is called parasitic.

Aythya Americana Scientific Classification

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Chordata
• Class: Aves
• Order: Anseriformes
• Family: Anatidae
• Genus: Aythya
• Species: Aythya americana

Best time of the year to see

The best time to see these birds in the United States is during the winter season (December to February).

Distribution of the Redhead in the USA

Breeds on the northern plains of the United States and Canada, from Alaska to Colorado, as well as the western and southwest intermountain marshes. Winters in the southern United States, from California through Florida and south to Mexico.

The Redhead can be found in the following states in the United States – Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.