Bufflehead

Overview

The bufflehead is a small sea duck of the genus Bucephala, also known as the goldeneyes. It is recognized as one of the smallest American ducks, rivaling the green-winged teal in size, and is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.

Identification

• Ranges from 32–40 cm in length and weighs 270–550 g, with drakes being larger than females.
• Adult males feature striking black and white plumage with iridescent green and purple heads and a large white patch behind the eye.
• Females are grey-toned with a smaller white patch behind the eye and a light underside.

Habitat

Breeding occurs in wooded lakes and ponds within the boreal forest and taiga of Alaska and Canada. In winter, the species migrates to protected coastal waters, open inland waters on the east and west coasts, the southern United States, and the Great Lakes.

Diet

These diving birds forage underwater at depths of 1.2–4.5 m, preferring insects in freshwater habitats and crustaceans and mollusks in saltwater. Aquatic plants and fish eggs may also become locally important food items.

Did you know?

The species is known as the 'spirit duck' and has been featured on the coat of arms of Sidney, British Columbia, since 1995. It is also one of the world's most punctual migrants, arriving on its wintering grounds within a very narrow margin of time.