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
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
- Bellrose, F. C. 1976. Ducks, Geese, and Swans of North America. Stackpole Books, Harrisburg, PA.
- 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.