Scientific Name:                  Bucephala albeola
Common Name(s):            Bufflehead
 
(Left – Male Bufflehead; Right – Female Bufflehead) | ©Mfd

Identification:

The bufflehead, Bucephala albeola, is a small American duck that is named after its oddly bulging head shape, most visible when the male puffs out the feathers on his head. Female buffleheads are commonly mistaken for female harlequin ducks, Histrionicus histrionicus, but can be distinguished by the single white patch behind the eye. The bufflehead is anywhere from 13-16 inches long and weighs 9.5-19.4oz, with males being larger than females. Buffleheads compete with the green-winged teal as the smallest American duck. Adult males are black and white with shimmering green and purple on their heads, and a white patch behind the eye. Females are gray-brown with a smaller white patch behind the eye and paler chest and sides. The belly of both males and females is white. Buffleheads have short necks and short, gray bills.

Range:

Bucephala albeola can be found in most of North America. During migration in winter, they occupy the east and west coasts of North America and the southern United States.

Ecology:

The bufflehead dives for food and forages underwater, favoring depths of 4-15 ft.  In freshwater habitats, they consume mainly insects, aquatic plants, and some seeds. In saltwater habitats, they consume mainly crustaceans and mollusks. The bufflehead’s high metabolism allows it to be very active and diving for food almost continuously. They tend to stay in small flocks with one duck watching for predators as the others dive in search of food.

Buffleheads have one partner, and females arrive at the same breeding site, every year. They nest in tree cavities and tend to use old woodpecker nests close to water. Many birds are nest competitors with the bufflehead. Smaller cavities are preferred by the bufflehead so there is less competition with larger ducks. Buffleheads lay 6-11 eggs, and incubation lasts around a month. Nest success is high compared to species like the teal, which nest on the ground and are more susceptible to predation. The day after the last duckling hatches, the young leap from the nest. The young develop wing feathers capable of flight at 50-55 days. Buffleheads are one of the last waterfowl species to leave their breeding grounds in fall.

Bufflehead predators include but are not limited to weasels, mink, foxes, coyotes, raccoons, owls, eagles, hawks, and falcons. Larger ducks of other species occasionally kill female bufflehead hens when competing for nests.

Buffleheads’ striking colors, highly energetic nature, and occupancy of waterfront properties make them very popular among birdwatchers. They are popular gamebirds among hunters as well. In Arkansas, the bufflehead is found in open-water lakes and large rivers during winter.

Special Notes:

Here in Bella Vista, buffleheads can be seen when they migrate in the winter months. They are commonly seen on Loch Lomond. Remember that they are small, and males and females differ in color.

(Chris Fuller freeing a male Bufflehead tangled in fishing line)