Bucephala albeola
When the morning mist rises from the calm surface of a wetland, a male Bufflehead is often the first duck to be recognized. His simple white-and-dark plumage strikes a vivid contrast to the dark surface of the pond. The white patch on the male's head may serve a role in courtship displays, and it adds to the male's babyface expression. Buffleheads are among the smallest diving ducks in North America. They seem most comfortable occupying the center of small ponds. The common name refers to this duck's large head and steep forehead, which are similar in shape to those of a buffalo. The genus name Bucephala also refers to the shape of the head: it means 'ox-headed' in Greek. The scientific name albeola is from the Latin for 'white,' in reference to the male's plumage. |
I.D.: General: very small, rounded duck; white speculum in flight; short gray bill; short neck. Male: white wedge on the back of the head; head is otherwise dark green; dark back; white body plumage. Female: dark brown head; oval, white ear patch; light brown underparts. Size: L 13-15 in. (33-38 cm). Range: common migrant and rare breeder in the southern Rockies; common spring migrant and uncommon breeder in the Canadian and northern U.S. Rockies. Habitat: In migration: open water of lakes, ponds and rivers. Breeding: small, wooded ponds and small lakes. Nesting: typically in the boreal forest; often near water; in a tree cavity, usually an abandoned woodpecker nest or a natural cavity; nest chamber may be unlined or filled with a little down; eggs incubated for 28-33 days; ducklings generally remain in the nest for up to 3 days. Feeding: dives for aquatic invertebrates, mainly water boatmen and mayfly and damselfly larvae, occasionally snails and crustaceans; sometimes eats small fish and pondweeds. Voice: Male: growling call. Female: harsh quack. Similar Species: Hooded Merganser: white crest is outlined in black. Harlequin Duck: female has several light spots on the head. Common Goldeneye and Barrow's Goldeneye: males are larger and have a white patch between the eye and the bill. Other diving ducks: females are much larger. |
