bufflehead duck

1. Bird Name
This fascinating bird species is known as the Bufflehead Duck, a name derived from the word “buffalo” due to its large, buffle-shaped head. The scientific name for the Bufflehead Duck is Bucephala albeola.

2. Appearance
Bufflehead ducks are small waterbirds characterized by their large, rounded heads with a broad white patch. Males sport a glossy black-green head, which shines in sunlight, with a large white patch extending from cheek to cheek. Their backs are predominantly black, and they have a white underbelly and flanks. Females and immature males are gray-brown with a smaller white cheek patch. Both sexes possess a short dark bill and dark eyes.

3. Size
These diminutive ducks typically reach lengths of approximately 32-40 cm (13-16 inches) and have a wingspan of approximately 56 cm (22 inches). They range in weight from 272 to 635 grams, with males weighing slightly heavier than females.

4. Habitat & Distribution
The Bufflehead Duck is primarily found in North America. They breed in wooded lakes and ponds in Alaska and Canada, particularly in areas with old growth timber where suitable nesting cavities exist. In winter, the Bufflehead Ducks migrate south to both coasts of North America, extending as far south as Central America. They favor coastal bays and estuaries, lakes, and ponds for their winter grounds.

5. Interesting Facts
An interesting fact about the Bufflehead Ducks is their relationship with Northern Flickers, a type of woodpecker. They rely on these woodpeckers to create nesting cavities as they are incapable of doing so themselves. Moreover, they are among the fastest flying ducks, reaching speeds of up to 55 miles per hour.

6. Diet
Bufflehead Ducks are diving ducks. They primarily feed underwater on invertebrates, including snails, crustaceans, and insects, as well as some plant material like seeds and aquatic plants.

7. Behavior & Sounds
Bufflehead Ducks are most active during the dawn and dusk. They are swift fliers but clumsy walkers. They exhibit a unique bobbing motion while swimming. Typically quiet, their vocalization, though infrequent, includes low cooing sounds from females and a muffled, grunting quack from males.

8. Conservation Status
According to the IUCN Red List, the Bufflehead Duck is currently of ‘Least Concern’ in terms of conservation status. This is due to its considerable population numbers and wide distribution.

9. Lifespan
This versatile bird species typically reaches a lifespan of around 18 years in the wild, although some individuals have been known to live up to 23 years.

10. Additional Notes
In the Mi’kmaw tradition, the arrival of Bufflehead Ducks is a sign that the spring season is near. This bird plays a vital role in the ecosystem, helping control aquatic invertebrate populations. Although they are generally shy and wary of humans, they are a favored bird among bird-watchers due to their distinctive coloration and noticeable courtship behaviors.