Home › Species Directory › Redhead Duck
Species Directory · BirdsRedhead Duck Taxidermy
Aythya americana
The redhead is a big-water diving duck with a round copper head, a blue bill with a black tip and a grey body that looks like fine pencil shading. We mount redheads on driftwood wall displays, in sculpted water scenes, and in flying pairs from Green Bay and Lake Winnebago hunts.
About the redhead duck
- Scientific name
- Aythya americana
- Weight
- 2–2.5 lb
- Length
- 18–22 in
- Habitat
- Large lakes, bays and open marsh; a diving duck that rafts up on big water during migration
- Range
- Breeds in the prairie pothole region and the intermountain West; migrates through Wisconsin on Green Bay, Lake Winnebago and the Mississippi; winters on the Gulf Coast
- Wisconsin season
- Regular duck season with a daily redhead limit; check current WDNR regulations
How we mount redhead duck
Redheads are often confused with canvasbacks, and the mount has to show the difference: a rounded head instead of a sloping profile, a shorter bill with a clean black tip, and a smoky grey back rather than white. We build the head shape carefully and pose the bird so the copper head and blue bill are what you see first.
Our most-requested redhead displays are a drake on a driftwood wall panel with marsh grass, a diving-duck water scene on a sculpted base, and flying drake-and-hen pairs. Redheads also work well in mixed diver displays with canvasbacks, bluebills and goldeneyes.
Caring for your redhead duck in the field
- Do not wring the neck. Carry the bird by the feet or the body, not the head.
- Gently wipe blood off the feathers and keep the bird separate from other ducks.
- Tuck the bird’s head under its wing, place it in one or two Ziploc bags or garbage bags, and freeze it.
More in our Knowledge Base and Getting Started guides, plus our Waterfowl Taxidermy and Pricing pages.
Redhead Duck taxidermy FAQ
How do I tell a redhead from a canvasback?
A redhead has a rounded head, a shorter blue bill with a black tip and a grey back. A canvasback has a long sloping forehead, an all-black bill and a much whiter back.
Is a redhead worth mounting?
Absolutely. Drakes in full plumage are among the best-looking divers, and Wisconsin hunters get a real chance at them on Green Bay and Winnebago.
How much does a redhead mount cost?
$575 for any pose. Habitat bases and multi-bird diver scenes are additional. Pay in full, 50/50, three installments, or monthly with our Easy 8 plan. See full pricing.
How long does a redhead mount take?
Standard delivery is 12 to 14 months, with rush service available at 180, 90, or 30 days.
Bring us your redhead duck
Drop off at Jefferson or New Franken (Green Bay area), or call or text either studio with a photo and we will quote it.
Jefferson (920) 650-7800Green Bay area (920) 650-8972Contact & hours