Redhead (bird)

Redhead
Adult Male
Female with young
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Anseriformes
Family: Anatidae
Genus: Aythya
Species:
A. americana
Binomial name
Aythya americana
(Eyton, 1838)
  Breeding
  Migration
  Year-round
  Nonbreeding

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]

  1. ^ BirdLife International (2016). "Aythya americana". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2016: e.T22680367A92859064. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-3.RLTS.T22680367A92859064.en. Retrieved 12 November 2021.
  2. ^ Jobling, James A (2010). The Helm Dictionary of Scientific Bird Names. London: Christopher Helm. pp. 44, 64. ISBN 978-1-4081-2501-4.
  3. ^ cosleyzoo. "Redhead Duck". Cosley Zoo. Retrieved 2020-09-25.
  4. ^ "Redhead | Types of Ducks & Geese". www.ducks.org. Retrieved 2020-09-25.
  5. ^ Livezey, Bradley C. (1996-01-01). "A Phylogenetic Analysis of Modern Pochards (Anatidae: Aythyini)". The Auk. 113 (1): 74–93. doi:10.2307/4088937. JSTOR 4088937.
  6. ^ Johnsgard, P.A. (1975). Waterfowl of North America. Waterfowl of North America: Indiana University Press. ISBN 9780253363602.
  7. ^ Johnson, W.P.; Lockwood, M. (2013). Texas Waterfowl. College Station (TX): Texas A & M University Press.