One of the smallest ducks found in the state, the Bufflehead can be distinguished by the male's large white patch on the back of its otherwise black head. Its small size allows it to use nest cavities of Flickers and other similarly sized cavities, giving it an ample supply of nesting locations, particularly as a large number of Wood Duck boxes have been erected in recent decades. They are a diving duck, feeding underwater. As with many duck species in the United States, populations have rebounded strongly in recent decades.
Habitat
Prefers small ponds and lakes with surrounding woodland for breeding. Winters on small ponds, lakes, and rivers inland, also in shallow bays and estuaries along the coasts.
Diet
Primarily insects and insect larvae in the summer. Primarily crustaceans and mollusks in the winter. Also will occasionally eat plant material.
Behavior
Nearly always feeds by submerging and obtaining food underwater. Buffleheads are not as gregarious as many ducks, and are often found in pairs or small flocks.
Nesting
June and July in their North American Range. Buffleheads are cavity nesters, typically using old burrows of woodpeckers or other burrows when available (including nest boxes). They are monogamous, with birds often returning to the same nesting location year after year. The female lays between 7 and 10 eggs, and she alone incubates them. The eggs hatch after about 4 weeks. The young leave the nest only a day after hatching, and may be tended to by the female as they grow, but the young find their own food.
Song
Males have a harsh chattering call when displaying and interacting during courtship. Females have a harsh cluck often given in flight.
1Click here to hear the single-note calls of a female/immature male
Migration
Summers primarily in Canada and Alaska. Winters along North American coasts, throughout much of the southern half of the U.S., and points south.
Interactive eBird Map
Click here to access an interactive eBird map of Bufflehead sightings
Similar Species
A male Bufflehead could perhaps be confused with a Hooded Merganser, as they both share the same kind of large white patch on the back of the head. However, the male Bufflehead is all black and white (with iridescence in the black plumage on the head), while the male Hooded Merganser's body is brown on it's lower half. In addition to other plumage differences in the black and white plumage, the bill shape is also dramatically different, with the Hooded Merganser having a thin bill designed to capture fish, while a Bufflehead has a more typical duck-like bill seen on many diving and dabbling ducks.
Birdhouses
Will use appropriately sized nest boxes near water.
Conservation Status
As with many waterfowl species in the United States, conservation efforts, reasonable hunting regulations, and restoration of habitat has led to a strong increase in populations over the last few decades. Bufflehead are common in many parts of a very large range. The IUCN considers the Bufflehead as a species of "least concern".
Further Information
- eBird - Bufflehead
- Audubon Field Guide - Bufflehead
- Cornell Lab of Ornithology - All About Birds: Bufflehead
Photo Information
April 11th, 2010 - Dewey Gevik Nature Area, South Dakota - Terry Sohl
Audio Credits
1Paul Marvin, XC361916 - Source information at: https://www.xeno-canto.org/361916
