Aythya americana

(Eyton, 1838)

Vernacular names
English : Redhead
French : Fuligule à tête rouge

Classification
Class : Aves
Order : Anseriformes
Family : Anatidae
Notes : No subspecies known.

Identification
Adults can reach a length of 54 cm for a weight of 1.2 kg. Males have bright chocolate-brown head, grey bill, yellow eyes and black breast, black tail, the rest of plumage being light grey. Female is entirely dull brown with dark bill.

Range and habitat
This species breeds in Alaska, in most of central and western Canada and in north USA. Winters in most of south USA, south to Guatemala. Lives in deep freshwater swamps, lakes and marshes with areas of open water.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : LEAST CONCERN
CITES : Not Listed
Status : The species remains locally very common in many parts of its range but local declines have been noted because of habitat destruction.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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