The Aythya americana breeding range extends from southern Canada to the northern United States (Washington to Maine). Many breed in the Prairie Pothole region of the northern Great Plains of North America. There are also some breeding populations in central Alaska. In September, these ducks migrate to winter in northern and central Mexico, and from California to the Gulf and Atlantic Coast. A large portion of redheads winter in Florida and Mexico.

Biogeographic Regions: nearctic (Native )