Michigan is the most beautiful place for duck species. That’s why almost more than 20 species of ducks live here. Some ducks are black, some are rare, and some have beautiful feathers.
Today in this blog post we will talk about the redhead ducks in Michigan. So without wasting any time let’s get started.
Redhead Ducks in Michigan
In Michigan, we found that only 3 redhead ducks live. They have different diets plants, different habitats, and different habitats. The 3 redhead ducks in Michigan are –
- Redhead
- Common Merganser
- Canvasback
Let’s explore their habitat, diet, behavior, and other things.
Related: Black Ducks in Michigan
1. Redhead
Redhead ducks (Aythya americana) can be found in Michigan, especially during their migration seasons. They are medium-sized diving ducks with red heads and grey bodies.
During the breeding season, they nest in shallow marshes and lakes, primarily in the northern parts of Michigan, including the Upper Peninsula.
They prefer areas with dense emergent vegetation. In winter, redhead ducks migrate southward and use Michigan as a stopover location. You can spot them in coastal areas and large inland lakes.
Here is Popular locations for observing redhead ducks in Michigan include Saginaw Bay, Lake St. Clair, and Lake Erie.
Remember that bird populations and distributions can vary from year to year.
To get the most up-to-date information on redhead duck sightings, it’s best to check with local birding resources or birdwatching communities in Michigan.
Related: Discover 4 Rare Ducks in Michigan
2. Common Merganser
The common merganser is a big duck in Michigan. It eats fish and has a long, thin bill with sharp edges. The male is black with a green head and a red bill.
The female is brown with a white head and a black bill. They live in rivers, lakes, and ponds. They make their nests in hollow trees or on cliffs.
You can easily find this duck species below Michigan places.
- The Au Sable River
- Lake Michigan
- Lake Huron
- Lake Superior
- The Detroit River
- The Saginaw Bay
Common Mergansers are the largest mergansers in North America. They are found statewide but are more common in the northern part of the state.
They are a popular game bird. They are declining in numbers due to habitat loss and pollution.
The common merganser’s diet consists mainly of fish, but it also eats insects, crustaceans, amphibians, and occasionally small mammals and birds.
Related: Small Diving Ducks in Michigan
3. Canvasback
Canvasbacks are big (diving ducks in Michigan) that come to Michigan in winter. They have pretty feathers – black on the belly and pale grey on the body.
The male has a reddish-brown head and red eyes, and the female is duller, with a brown head and black eyes.
Canvasbacks are great divers and can stay underwater for a long time, even up to two minutes.
They eat plants, bugs, and small fish. They’re important for Michigan’s ecosystem and are popular for hunting.
Here are some places in Michigan where you can see canvasbacks: Lake Erie Metropark, Pointe Mouillee State Game Area, and The Det River.
Conclusion
In conclusion, redhead ducks in Michigan bring beauty and charm to the state’s waters. With their striking redheads and graceful diving skills, they add color and excitement to the natural landscape. By feeding on plants and small creatures, redhead ducks help maintain the balance of their habitats. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or simply enjoy observing wildlife, keep an eye out for these magnificent ducks and let their presence remind you of the wonders of Michigan’s diverse ecosystem.
