Redhead Duck- The Duck that Meows Like a Cat- Point Pelee National Park

Do you Know Which Duck Meows like a Cat?? I have seen it and heard it for myself at Point Peellee National Park. Point Pelee National Park is located at the most southern tip if Canada. Point Pelee is a well known as a migratory path for many species including water birds, raptors and the monarch butterflies. The Redhead Duck (Aythya americana) is a medium sized diving duck that is 16”-21” long with a wingspan of 29”-31”. Redhead Ducks inhabit lakes and ponds where they dive from the surface to feed. Primarily on aquatic plants such as water lilies, wild rice, grass, wild celery and other pond vegetation. A small percentage of their diet includes small fish, mollusks, and aquatic insects.

The Adult Male Redhead Duck has a rounded red head, black breast and lower neck and light grey back, while the female is slightly smaller and has a reddish-brown head and body and a bluish bill with a black tip. Immature Redheads are similar in appearance to the adult females. The Redhead Duck is distinguished by its light greyish-blue bill and grey legs and feet. The males call resembles a cats “meow.”

Was your Guess Correct?? So much for the saying.... if it walks like a duck and quacks like a duck....... it's a duck!



During breeding season this bird inhabits marshes and prairie potholes in the Northern Prairie Regions as well as marsh areas of United States and Canada. Redhead Ducks prefer non-forested marsh areas. After finding a mate in the late winter, it is common for the female to lay 7-10 eggs in the floating nests of other ducks, in particular Canvasback Ducks. They have also been known to lay eggs in the nests of other Redheads as well as the American Harrier and American Bittern. Redhead Ducks do not make their own nests and as such, many parasitically laid eggs fail to hatch. After the breeding season the males leave their mates and fly north over large bodies of water. At that time they go through such a severe moult that it leaves them unable to fly for nearly 1 month. It is believed that 80% of North American Redheads migrate to Mexico and Texas where they reside during winter months.

Redhead Ducks have drastically declined in numbers due to hunting and loss of wetlands required to lay their eggs. Please help to protect this species and their natural habitat.

View a Photo of the Redhead Duck During a Winter Storm
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