What Is It?

By MDC | November 1, 2025
From Xplor: November/December 2025
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  • My head is as red as a fire.
  • But females don’t share my attire.
  • I meow to show my desire.
  • Open water is what I require
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Redhead

It’s easy to see why this duck is called a redhead. But only males have flame-red feathers. Females and young ducks sport brown heads. In winter, redheads form large flocks that raft together in lakes, rivers, and deep marshes. Most male ducks show off to attract a mate, but redheads take it to the next level. Drakes bend backward until their beaks touch their tails. Then they snap forward while giving a catlike mee-ooow!

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Redhead
Credit
MDC
Right to Use

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This Issue's Staff

Artist – Matt Byrde
Photographer – Noppadol Paothong
Photographer – David Stonner
Designer – Marci Porter
Art Director – Ben Nickelson
Editor – Matt Seek
Subscriptions – Marcia Hale
Magazine Manager – Stephanie Thurber