Redhead (Aythya americana) is in the Ducks, Geese, and Swans family (Anatidae). Across the U.S., iNaturalist users have logged 20,101 research-grade observations of it in our sample, peaking in February.
Seasonal pattern in the national data: winter visitor. Counts also reflect when people are out photographing, so compare months within a state rather than across states.
When to photograph Redhead: observations by month (U.S.)
About Redhead
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. The redhead is 37 cm (15 in) long with an 84 cm (33 in) wingspan. 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.From Wikipedia via iNaturalist — article, CC BY-SA.
Redhead by state
| State | Observations | Peak month | Main season |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | 3,381 | January | Nov–Apr |
| Texas | 3,348 | January | Nov–Apr |
| Illinois | 1,000 | February | Dec–Mar |
| Ohio | 964 | February | Jan–Mar |
| Arizona | 867 | January | Nov–Apr |
| Florida | 861 | January | Nov–Mar |
| Colorado | 748 | March | Oct–Jun |
| New York | 708 | February | Dec–Mar |
| Nevada | 702 | March | Oct–Jun |
| Maryland | 696 | February | Jan–Mar |
| Michigan | 669 | February | Jan–Apr |
| Oregon | 496 | April | Mar–Jun |
| Washington | 480 | May | Mar–Jun |
| Wisconsin | 399 | March | Feb–May |
| Utah | 391 | May | Feb–May |
| Pennsylvania | 388 | February | Jan–Mar |
| Minnesota | 365 | April | Mar–Apr |
| Virginia | 282 | February | Jan–Feb |
| Idaho | 264 | May | Dec–Jun |
| North Carolina | 259 | January | Dec–Mar |
| Kansas | 247 | March | Feb–Mar |
| New Mexico | 182 | February | Oct–May |
| South Dakota | 182 | March | Jan–Jun |
| Oklahoma | 179 | March | Feb–May |
| Georgia | 164 | January | Dec–Mar |
| Tennessee | 163 | January | Jan–Feb |
| New Jersey | 151 | February | Dec–Mar |
| Montana | 146 | June | Mar–Sep |
| Alabama | 134 | January | Nov–Feb |
| Wyoming | 133 | June | May–Oct |
| Indiana | 130 | February | Jan–Mar |
| Massachusetts | 129 | November | Nov–Mar |
| North Dakota | 125 | May | Apr–Jul |
| Nebraska | 96 | March | Mar–Mar |
| Missouri | 83 | November | Oct–Mar |
| Alaska | 81 | May | Apr–Jul |
| Mississippi | 73 | November | Nov–Feb |
| Louisiana | 71 | December | Nov–Mar |
| West Virginia | 60 | February | Jan–Mar |
| Iowa | 48 | March | Feb–Apr |
| Kentucky | 44 | February | Feb–Mar |
| Vermont | 43 | January | Nov–Mar |
| South Carolina | 42 | January | Dec–Feb |
| Arkansas | 35 | November | Nov–Feb |
| Delaware | 25 | February | Jan–Feb |
| Connecticut | 23 | March | Dec–Mar |
| Rhode Island | 19 | March | Jan–Apr |
| Maine | 14 | January | Jan–Jan |
| District of Columbia | 10 | January | Oct–Mar |
Main season = months with at least 30% of the state's peak-month count.
Related birds (Ducks, Geese, and Swans)
Mallard
Canada Goose
Wood Duck
Northern Shoveler
Bufflehead
American Wigeon
Hooded Merganser
Ring-necked Duck
Photography tips
- Use a fast shutter (1/2000 s or faster) for birds in flight.
- Focus on the eye and shoot at the bird's eye level.
- Approach slowly and stop if the bird changes behavior; never bait or flush birds.
- Morning activity peaks in the first two hours after sunrise.
FAQ
When is the best time to photograph Redhead?
Nationally, February has the most observations, with the main season from November to May.
Where is Redhead most often seen?
The most observations come from California, Texas, Illinois.