bufflehead
1. Bird Name
English name: Bufflehead
Scientific name: Bucephala albeola
2. Appearance
The Bufflehead is a striking, small American sea duck. With a large, bulbous head, the bird boasts distinctive black, white, and iridescent green patterns. Adult males take hold of a bold, white wedge shape on the sides and back of the head, which sets off a dark purple-green head and black back. They have soft white underparts and a small, grey-blue beak with a black tip. Females, however, have a brown-grey head with a white cheek patch, a scaled grey body, and a dark crown. Their eyes are dark and large, a peculiar feature that adds to their character.
3. Size
Bufflehead’s average length ranges between 32-40 cm (13-16 inches). The wingspan is around 55 cm (21 inches), and weight typically lies between 270-550 grams (9.5-19.4 ounces).
4. Habitat & Distribution
Buffleheads predominantly inhabit North America, particularly in forested areas of Alaska and Canada. They choose habitats near water bodies, usually sheltered coastal inlets, estuaries, or lagoons in winter, and boreal forests with ponds or lakes for breeding. They migrate as south to the Atlantic and Pacific coasts of the United States, Mexico, and occasionally Guatemala during non-breeding seasons.
5. Interesting Facts
Buffleheads take their name from “buffalo head,” referring to their disproportionately large and, at times, buffalo-like head shape. They are exceptional divers, capable of plunging to impressive depths and staying submerged to evade predators or hunt. Breeding pairs are usually monogamous, and the female will regularly return to the same nesting site each year.
6. Diet
Buffleheads mainly feed on aquatic invertebrates, including insects, crustaceans, and molluscs. They also consume seeds and plant matters at times.
7. Behavior and Sounds
Buffleheads have a unique blowing behavior while diving. Unlike other diving ducks that leap forward, buffleheads dive almost vertically. They are sociable during winters and often form mixed-species flocks. Their call is a low, soft “rrr-rr-rrrr.”
8. Conservation Status
As per the IUCN Red List, the bufflehead is listed as “Least Concern.” It has a large range and does not meet the criteria for Vulnerable.
9. Lifespan
Buffleheads, on average, can live up to a decade in the wild. The maximum recorded lifespan is eighteen years. Records for birds in captivity are unclear.
10. Additional Notes
Known as “Spirit Duck” in some Native American cultures, buffleheads have a mythical status due to their striking appearance and diving abilities. They play a significant role in their ecosystem, preying on a variety of aquatic insects and organisms, indirectly maintaining the servant population’s health and balance. Despite being hunted for sport and occasionally for food, they generally have a peaceful relationship with humans. Bufflehead males are known for their devoted courtship, in which impressive displays of plumage and speed are used to win over the females.
