
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.

DID YOU KNOW?
Metro's voter-approved Natural Areas Program has protected more than 90 miles of rivers and streams in the Portland region. Find out how Metro is working to conserve and restore habitat for waterfowl and other wildlife.