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.
Males have a black chest. Flanks and back not as pale as Canvasback. Photograph © Alan Wilson
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?”
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.
Photograph © Alan Wilson
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.
Photograph © Greg Lavaty
A close up of the head. Pale cheek patch. Almost no eye ring. Photograph © Greg Lavaty
Pale wing linings underneath. Photograph © Greg Lavaty.
Thin white line on trailing edge of wing. Wings generally have a 2-tone appearance but lack a colorful speculum. Photograph © Greg Lavaty.
Male stretching his wings before take off. Photograph © Greg Lavaty.
Female. Photograph © Greg Lavaty.
Female. Photograph © Greg Lavaty
Female. Note dark feet and legs. Photograph © Greg Lavaty.
Can you spot the female? Photograph © Greg Lavaty.
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.
Photograph © Greg Lavaty
Male Redheads are easy to identify at a distance, lone females would offer a greater challenge.