Red Head Duck Pairs
The
Red Head Duck is a diving duck endemic to most of North America. This medium sized duck breeds in most parts of the Western United States and parts of Canada.
Red Head Ducks breed in marshy areas, lakes, and prairie wetlands, but the females are notorious for laying their eggs in the nests of other
Red Heads and even more commonly, other duck species.
Red Head Ducks are fairly migratory and are often found wintering in the Southern and Southeastern United States as well as Mexico and the Caribbean. The
Red Head Ducks usually take new mates each breeding season, and after breeding season, the male
Red Heads will molt their feathers and remain flightless for almost one month. They then leave their mates and relocate to new wetlands and lakes.
Red Heads are most noticeable and recognized for their brilliant red and rounded heads that contrast with their gray backs and black breasts. They can be bred and kept in mixed company and will possibly lay their eggs in other birds' nests, but those will be less likely to hatch.
