Ducks with Orange Heads (With Pictures)

Last week, a friend asked me to help her identify a duck with an orange head. I’ll admit, that one made me pause for a moment — ducks with truly orange heads aren’t very common. If she’d asked about brown-headed ducks, I could have listed several off the top of my head (I even have a post all about them — feel free to check it out here!). But when it comes to orange-headed ducks, the list is much shorter. After some thought, I managed to come up with a few standout species that fit the description. Here they are — and if you happen to know of others, I’d love to hear from you in the comments.

1. Red-crested Pochard

The first duck that I am sure fits the ducks with orange heads description is the stunning red-crested pochard — a true showstopper on the water. The male’s round orange head and red bill make it stand out from almost any other duck on the lake. These ducks love calm freshwater lakes and marshes, especially in southern Europe and Asia. They often dive or tip forward in the water to find plants to eat. In winter, you might see them gathered in big friendly flocks, often mixed with other diving ducks.

2. Ruddy Shelduck

The second duck that I can also include in this category of ducks is the ruddy shelduck. Both males and females wear warm orange-brown feathers, but the male stands out with a thin black collar around his neck. Their pale heads shine softly in the sun, giving them a golden look from a distance. These ducks love lakes and rivers, often nesting far from the water in cliffs or hollow trees. You’ll likely hear them before you see them — their loud honking calls echo across open water. In pairs, they’re loyal companions, staying together year after year and raising their ducklings as a team.

3. Mandarin Duck

I’m including this one because, as I mentioned earlier, ducks with truly orange heads are quite rare — but this species shows enough orange tones on its head that I think it deserves a spot on the list. The male is a burst of color — his head glows orange with a fan-like crest, and two orange “sail” feathers rise up at his back like little flags. His red bill and golden cheeks make him look almost royal. The female, though less flashy, is still elegant, with soft brown feathers and a delicate white stripe near her eye. These ducks prefer quiet ponds surrounded by trees, where they often perch on branches — something most ducks can’t do! In spring, the male’s orange feathers are at their brightest as he courts his mate. The mandarin duck is a favorite among birdwatchers, and spotting one in the wild always feels like finding a treasure.