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The redhead is a North American diving duck in the genus Aythya, closely related to the canvasback, scaup, and ring-necked duck. This is the most common duck species nesting on Turnbull NWR, averaging over 200 breeding pairs across the past decade. The large permanent wetlands that were restored on the refuge are key breeding habitat for this species.
Males in breeding season sport the eponymous brilliant red head, while females wear subtler, earth-toned plumage. In flight, both sexes reveal a grayish wing stripe, visible against otherwise dark wings.
Redheads breed primarily in the prairie pothole region of the north-central United States and southern Canada, favoring shallow marshes with emergent vegetation for nesting. This includes eastern Washington and the many wetlands at Turnbull NWR. Redheads prefer to build their nest within 10-12 feet of open water and in water depths greater than 18 inches.
During courtship, males display by paddling in circles, calling, and rearing up out of the water with heads thrown back.
Redheads often nest in colonies, sometimes with dozens of females nesting close together. Redheads are also notorious brood parasites鈥攆emales often lay eggs in the nests of other redheads or other duck species, leaving the foster mothers to raise their young.
In winter, they migrate south to the Gulf Coast, Mexico, and Caribbean wetlands, with some populations reaching as far as Central America. Large wintering flocks often gather in coastal lagoons and estuaries, sometimes mixed with other diving ducks such as canvasbacks and scaup.
Redheads use their legs to propel themselves underwater in search of food. In the breeding season, they feed on seeds, tubers, and leafy vegetation from marsh plants. On wintering grounds, they typically consume plant material and invertebrates such as snails and crustaceans.
Redhead populations declined sharply in the early 20th century due to wetland drainage and overhunting. Thanks to wetland conservation efforts and stricter hunting regulations, numbers have rebounded across the species鈥� range.
Since Turnbull NWR was established in 1937, the primary focus of habitat management was waterfowl, and in recent years it was directed more specifically at production of redheads. Early management focused on restoring Refuge wetlands that had been drained and producing grain crops for migratory waterfowl. In later years, management moved from restoration to enhancement, the goal always being to improve habitat conditions to increase or maintain waterfowl populations.
Like many waterfowl species across the Pacific flyway, redhead populations are declining. Having large, suitable habitat for these ducks to rest and breed is becoming increasingly crucial - which is why places like Turnbull NWR are so valuable. Redheads are most commonly seen on the refuge between the months of March - May, often preferring locations such as Middle Pine Lake and Wheeler and Windmill Ponds.
