Redhead | |
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Adult Male | |
Female with young | |
Scientific classification | |
Domain: | Eukaryota |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Chordata |
Class: | Aves |
Order: | Anseriformes |
Family: | Anatidae |
Genus: | Aythya |
Species: | A. americana
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Binomial name | |
Aythya americana (Eyton, 1838)
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Breeding Migration Year-round Nonbreeding
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The redhead (Aythya americana) is a medium-sized diving duck. The scientific name is derived from Greek aithuia, an unidentified seabird mentioned by authors including Hesychius and Aristotle, and Latin americana, of America.[2] The redhead is 37 cm (15 in) long with an 84 cm (33 in) Wingspan. Redhead weight ranges from 2.0 to 2.5 lbs (907–1134 g),[3] with males weighing an average of 2.4 lbs (1089 g) and females weighing an average of 2.1 lbs (953 g).[4] It belongs to the genus Aythya, together with 11 other described species. The redhead and the common pochard form a sister group which together is sister to the canvasback.[5]
The redhead goes by many names, including the red-headed duck and the red-headed pochard.[6] This waterfowl is easily distinguished from other ducks by the male's copper coloured head and bright blue bill during the breeding season.[7]