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Redhead Identification

Redhead pair

 Length: 19 inches, Wing span: 29 inches

Redheads are very widespread across North America, particularly in migration and winter, and they winter in large flocks along the Gulf Coast. Redheads are well known for parasitizing other duck nests, and some females do not even build a nest of their own, but instead lay all of their eggs in the nests of other ducks.

As a diving duck, Redheads are rarely seen on land, and they require a running start across the water to take flight. Pairs form during the winter, and they move north to the breeding grounds together. The record known lifespan for a wild Redhead is 21 years.

Female Redheads are a gray-brown with a variable reddish wash on the head.  (sorry, no images of Lucille Ball or Ann Margaret). Fine eye ring and line behind the eye. Similar to female Ring-necked Duck.

Male Redhead

Males have a black chest. Flanks and back not as pale as Canvasback.  Photograph © Alan Wilson

Male redhead

Note the black nail and the narrow white band that fades into blue on most of the bill. Photograph © Alan Wilson.

Juveniles, eclipse males are all similar in appearance.  Depending on the age, sex and molt stage there can be significant difference in the appearance but all can usually be identified, if by nothing else, than “what else could it be?”

Female redhead

Photograph © Alan Wilson

What about this bird in the images above and below?  The cheek is much paler than the other females and the forehead has a more sloped appearance.

Female redhead

Photograph © Alan Wilson

Female redhead

Photograph © Glenn Bartley.

Now how about these two birds – above and below? The bill on the above bird is black, no hint of a white line extending back and down from the eye. Perhaps the lighting resulted in a bill that looked entirely black?

The bird below has the typical bill color and a stronger broken eye ring than other females on this page.

Female redhead

Photograph © Greg Lavaty

Female redhead

A close up of the head.  Pale cheek patch.  Almost no eye ring. Photograph © Greg Lavaty

Male redhead in flight

Pale wing linings underneath.  Photograph © Greg Lavaty.

Male redhead in flight

Thin white line on trailing edge of wing.  Wings generally have a 2-tone appearance but lack a colorful speculum.  Photograph © Greg Lavaty.

Male redhead stretching his wings

Male stretching his wings before take off.  Photograph © Greg Lavaty.

Redhead female in flight

Female.  Photograph © Greg Lavaty.

Redhead female in flight

Female.  Photograph © Greg Lavaty

Redhead female in flight

Female.  Note dark feet and legs.  Photograph © Greg Lavaty.

Redheads in flight

Can you spot the female?  Photograph © Greg Lavaty.

Redheads in flight

Photograph © Greg Lavaty.

Long, pointed wings.  Males distinctive, females generally plain looking with white belly and pale area at the base of the bill.  Pale area at the base of the bill less striking than on female scaup.

Redheads in flight

Photograph © Greg Lavaty

Male Redheads are easy to identify at a distance, lone females would offer a greater challenge.

About the Author

Sam Crowe

Sam is the founder of Birdzilla.com. He has been birding for over 30 years and has a world list of over 2000 species. He has served as treasurer of the Texas Ornithological Society, Sanctuary Chair of Dallas Audubon, Editor of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology's "All About Birds" web site and as a contributing editor for Birding Business magazine. Many of his photographs and videos can be found on the site.

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