redhead
1. Bird Name
English Name: Redhead
Scientific (Latin) Name: Aythya Americana
2. Appearance
The redhead is a medium-sized diving duck. The adult male is recognized by its blue bill, yellow eyes, and distinct, deep-red head that gives the species its name. Its back and breast are grayish while the belly is black. Females, on the other hand, have a light brown head and body with a grayish-black bill and brown eyes. Their undersides are slightly paler than the rest of their bodies. Juveniles resemble the appearance of the adult female but are typically much duller in coloration.
3. Size
The redhead averages between 37 to 58 cm (15 to 23 inches) in length. They usually have a wingspan ranging from 84 to 95 cm (33 to 37 inches). Male redheads can weigh from 1.07 to 1.6 kg (2.4 to 3.5 lbs), while females are slightly smaller, weighing in at 1.02 to 1.4 kg (2.2 to 3.1 lbs).
4. Habitat & Distribution
Redheads are found throughout most of North America. They are most common in the Midwestern and Great Lake States of the United States, and across the prairies of Canada. They generally prefer wetland environments, which includes marshes, ponds, and shallow lakes. They are migratory birds and fly to coastal Mexico, Gulf of California, and the southern United States for the winter.
5. Interesting Facts
One interesting fact about redheads is that they often lay their eggs in the nests of other duck species, a behavior known as brood parasitism. They are also known for forming large flocks, often with several other duck species, during the non-breeding season. Another fact is that Redheads dive into the water for their food, often tipping up rather than diving.
6. Diet
Redheads feed mainly on aquatic plants and invertebrates. Their diet generally includes seeds, leaves, tubers, and roots of aquatic plants, supplemented by small insects, crustaceans, and mollusks.
7. Behavior & Sounds
Redheads are social birds outside the breeding season and often gather in large flocks. They have a remarkable flying style, characterized by rapid, direct flights. Male Redhead ducks use a peculiar mating display that includes arrow-straight flights at the female while calling a peculiar ‘cat-like’ sound followed by the wing stretching.
8. Conservation Status
According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), Redheads are categorized as ‘Least Concern.’ This implies that there’s no immediate threat to the species’ survival.
9. Lifespan
The typical lifespan for a redhead in the wild is around 20 years, although some individuals have been documented to live past this.
10. Additional Notes
In Mexico, the Redhead is known as “Pato Pelirrojo.” Despite being primarily herbivorous, these ducks also play an essential role in controlling underwater insects and pests. They are also seen as game birds, hunted for sport and food, but still maintain stable population numbers. Being a migratory species, they contribute to various ecosystems and the encoding of specific bird-watching environments, attracting bird enthusiasts from around the world.
