Redhead
Aythya valisineria
(Anatidae)
19 inches long The Redhead male is an aptly named duck with a rounded red head. The tri-colored bill is pale blue with a narrow white ring separating the black tip.The bill pattern and shape help separate this duck from the similar Canvasback (Aythya valisineria). The back and sides of the Redhead are smoky gray. The female is tawny brown with a paler face.
The Canvasback is somewhat uncommon in the Omaha area and is very seldom seen in the Great Marsh in the Forest. The best times to see it would be March and then in late October/early November.
The Canvasback derives its name from the color of its back. The number of birds has declined significantly but seems to have stabilized.
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