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Bufflehead

Bucephala albeola ORDER: ANSERIFORMES FAMILY: ANATIDAE

IUCN Conservation Status: Least Concern

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The smallest diving duck in North America, the Bufflehead breeds in ponds and small lakes in Canada, and winters in much of the United States. It nests in tree cavities as well as in nest boxes.

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At a GlanceHelp

Measurements
Both Sexes
Length
12.6–15.7 in
32–40 cm
Wingspan
21.7 in
55 cm
Weight
9.6–22.4 oz
272–635 g
Other Names
  • Petit Garrot (French)
  • Pato chillón chico (Spanish)

Cool Facts

  • The Bufflehead nests almost exclusively in holes excavated by Northern Flickers and, on occasion, by Pileated Woodpeckers.
  • Unlike most ducks, the Bufflehead is mostly monogamous, often remaining with the same mate for several years.
  • The Bufflehead lays eggs more slowly than most other ducks, commonly with intervals of two or three days between eggs.

Habitat


Lake/Pond

Breeds along freshwater ponds and small lakes, and in forests inhabited by Northern Flickers. Winters in shallow saltwater, or in lakes and rivers.Aspens and poplars are important sites for nest cavities.

Food


Insects

Insects, crustaceans, and mollusks, as well as some seeds.

Nesting

Nesting Facts
Clutch Size
4–17 eggs
Egg Description
Cream-colored or buff; unmarked.
Nest Description

Nest in tree cavity or nest box, lined with downy feathers from chest of female.

Nest Placement

Cavity

Behavior


Surface Dive

Dives for prey and swallows food underwater.

Conservation

status via IUCN

Least Concern

In the early 20th century, shooting had reduced Bufflehead population numbers significantly, but between 1955 and 1992, surveys indicate that numbers more than doubled, despite large year-to-year fluctuations.

Credits

    1. Bellrose, F. C. 1976. Ducks, Geese, and Swans of North America. Stackpole Books, Harrisburg, PA.
    2. Gauthier, Gilles. 1993. Bufflehead (Bucephala albeola). In The Birds of North America, No. 67 (A. Poole and F. Gill, eds.). The Academy of Natural Sciences, Philadelphia, and The American Ornithologists' Union, Washington, D.C.

Range Map Help

Bufflehead Range Map
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