Redhead

Aythya americana

The redhead is a relatively large diving duck widespread through North America. The species is named for the males' striking red-orange head.

Redhead behavior and facts

• Redheads feed by diving for seeds, plants, aquatic insects and small fish.
• A male redhead's call resembles a cat's meow.
• Redheads prefer non-forested prairies with water and dense vegetation for nesting sites.
• Redheads are migratory – it is estimated that 80 percent of redheads spend the winter months in the Laguna Madre of Texas and Mexico.

Life history

• The redhead breeds primarily in the northern Great Plains in freshwater wetlands.
• Female redheads are known for dropping their eggs in the nests of other waterbirds.
• The female lays an average of 7-10 eggs.

Status

IUCN Least concern

Redheads, the Oregon Zoo and you

The zoo's redheads live in the Cascade Stream and Pond aviary.