The Redhead (Aythya americana) is a medium-sized diving duck native to North America. It is known for its distinctive appearance, habitat preferences, and unique behaviors.

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Physical Description

Males: The breeding male has a striking appearance with a red head, bright yellow eyes, a black-tipped blue-gray bill, a black breast, and a gray body.

Females: The female is more subdued in color, with a brown head and body, a darker crown, and a grayish bill with a black tip. Size: They measure 18–22 inches (46–56 cm) in length, with a wingspan of about 29–33 inches (74–84 cm).

Weight: Typically between 2 and 3 pounds (900–1400 grams).

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Habitat and Range

Breeding Grounds: Found primarily in prairie potholes in the northern United States (e.g., North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana) and southern Canada.

Wintering Areas: Migrates to the southern United States, Mexico, and Central America, especially in coastal areas like the Gulf of Mexico, Florida, and California.

Preferred Habitat: Shallow freshwater marshes, ponds, and lakes with abundant vegetation.

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Diet and Feeding Behavior

Omnivorous: Eats a mix of plant material (seeds, stems, roots of aquatic plants) and small aquatic animals (mollusks, insects, crustaceans).

Feeding Style: Primarily a diving duck, but can also dabble in shallow water.

Common Food Sources: Pondweed, wild celery, sedges, snails, and small fish.

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Behavior and Reproduction

Mating System: Seasonal monogamy, but females often lay eggs in other ducks’ nests (a behavior called brood parasitism).

They commonly target Canvasbacks, Lesser Scaups, and other Redheads. Nesting: Nests are built in dense marsh vegetation near water.The female lays 7–14 eggs, incubating them for about 24–28 days.

Ducklings: Hatchlings are precocial (able to leave the nest and feed soon after hatching). They fledge in 60–70 days.

Flocking Behavior: Outside of breeding season, they form large flocks, sometimes mixing with Canvasbacks, Scaups, and other diving ducks.

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Predators and Threats

Predators: Include foxes, raccoons, skunks, hawks, eagles, and snapping turtles.

Human-Related Threats: Habitat loss due to wetland drainage, agriculture, and urbanization.

Hunting: Historically hunted for food, but conservation efforts regulate hunting.

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Conservation Status

IUCN Status: Least Concern, but populations fluctuate due to habitat changes.

Conservation Efforts: Protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.

Wetland conservation programs (e.g., Ducks Unlimited) support habitat preservation.

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Interesting Facts

Brood Parasitism Champion: Redhead females lay eggs in other ducks’ nests, sometimes even in coots’ nests.

Fast Fliers: They can reach speeds of up to 50 mph (80 km/h).

Hybridization: Occasionally breeds with Canvasbacks and Lesser Scaups, creating hybrid offspring.

Popular Among Hunters: Due to their flight patterns and numbers, they are a sought-after species in waterfowl hunting.