Male and female redhead ducks have distinct plumage. Adult male Redheads, during breeding season, are characterized by a bright, chestnut-red head, a black breast and rear, and a gray body. Their bill is blue with a black tip. Female Redheads are predominantly brown, with a paler chin or a small, light patch near the bill. Both males and females have a blue bill with a black tip and broad gray wing stripes when in flight.

Male Redhead:
• Head: Bright, chestnut-red, rounded in shape.
• Breast and Rear: Black.
• Body: Gray.
• Bill: Blue with a black tip.
• Non-breeding males: Resemble females, but with a reddish-brown head and a yellowish eye.

Female Redhead:
• Plumage: Brown, with a darker back and a paler chin or a small, light patch near the bill.
• Bill: Blue with a black tip, similar to the male.
• Eye: Dark.
• Eye ring: Buffy.
• Belly: Whitish.
• Secondaries: Gray.