Bufflehead

About This Species

The Bufflehead is a small, compact diving duck best known for the male's striking black-and-white plumage and large, glossy head with a bold white patch. Females are more subtle, with soft gray-brown coloring and a small white cheek spot. Quick and energetic on the water, Buffleheads are often seen bobbing in sheltered bays, ponds, and lakes, where they dive frequently in search of food.

Fun Facts

• Name with a story: The name Bufflehead comes from 'buffalo-head,' a nod to the bird's large, rounded head.
• Fast divers: They can disappear underwater in an instant, often resurfacing far from where they dove.
• Cavity nesters: Buffleheads nest in old woodpecker holes, especially those made by Northern Flickers.
• Short-distance migrants: Many winter along coasts and inland waters but don't migrate as far as some other ducks.
• Always on the move: They are rarely still, constantly diving, preening, or swimming briskly across the water.