Adventures Outdoors'
In Wisconsin
REDHEAD
(Aythya americana)
ABOUT THEM
At the end of market hunting the Redhead like all of Wisconsin's ducks began to recover. In 1986 breeding populations numbered 3000, most of these breeding pairs were concentrated in the areas around Horicon Marsh. Migrating populations are found throughout the state. Including the pools of the Mississippi. Redheads gather in large flocks and rafts to migrate. They breed mainly in the prairie pothole region of north central U.S. and southern Canada. Wisconsin has one of three sizeable breeding populations east of the Mississippi. Redheads from North Dakota, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba pass through Wisconsin and continue on their way to the wintering grounds on the East coast. They fly in irregular, V-shaped flocks. They also often raft up with Lesser Scaup. The Redheads call is quite distinctive with the Drake making a loud cat like "meow" and a rolling "purr". The Hens make a sharp "sqwak" in flight. They are quite strong flyers reaching speeds over 55mph. Drake Redheads display intensively for the Hens during the spring, including throw their heads and stretching their necks. After breeding the Hen builds Her nest over water on a matt of cattails and reeds, and attaches it to stems of surrounding vegetation. Usually they are built close to open water. In some years up to 50% of Hens parasitize, leaving their eggs in the nests of other Ducks, especially other Redheads, Canvasback, and Ruddy Ducks. Hatching success of the parasitic eggs is often low. She will lay 9-12 buff colored eggs, and in 24-28 days they will hatch. They are able to fly in about 56-73 days. They usually disperse prior to fall migration. Redheads are diving Ducks and prefer submergent vegetation. They resemble the Canvasback but their head doesn't have the wedge shape to it and also appear darker than Cans.
DESCRIPTION
The Drake has a reddish chestnut head and neck, black chest, rounded head, gray back and white underside, gray wing speculum.
The Hen has a brownish rounded head, grayish white underside, and gray wing speculum.
Both have bluish-gray feet and a bluish-gray bill.
SIZE
Length = 18-22"
Weight = 2-2.5lbs
Wingspan = 32"