Overview
The Bufflehead duck is the smallest of the sea ducks in North America. These birds are easily identified by their black and white appearance. They have an average length of around 14 to 15 inches and a weight of about 1 pound. Having a black head with a greenish purple sheen identifies the drake. It also has a white patch that extends behind the eye and a blue grey bill. The back and breast is white and it has white sides and underbelly. The hen is mostly brown with a white patch on the cheek. She also has a grey bill and a light colored underbelly. When it comes to breeding locations, these birds prefer to stay on lakes and around forest of Aspens and Conifers. When wintertime comes, these birds spend most of their time in southern coasts, saltwater bays, and large bodies of water. Their nutrition derives from the consumption of aquatic vegetation by diving underwater. When in flight, these birds can be observed having a faster than normal wing beat.
Taxonomy
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Bird
- Family
- Anatidae
- Genus
- Bucephala
- Species
- ableola
Habitat
They breed in the mid-upper Canada region, and tend to migrate primarily in the Central and Atlantic flyway while wintering across the Central and Southwestern half of the United States.
Diet
These diving birds forage underwater. They prefer water depths of 1.2–4.5 m (3.9–14.8 ft). In freshwater habitats, they eat primarily insects, and in saltwater, they feed predominantly on crustaceans and mollusks. Aquatic plants and fish eggs can often become locally important food items, as well.
Behavior
Buffleheads have evolved their small size to fit the nesting cavity of their metabiotic host, a woodpecker, the northern flicker. Due to their small size, they are highly active, undertaking dives almost continuously while sustained by their high metabolism. They do not tend to collect in large flocks; groups are usually limited to small numbers. One duck serves as a sentry, watching for predators as the others in the group dive in search of food. Buffleheads are amongst the last waterfowl to leave their breeding grounds and one of the world's most punctual migrants, arriving on their wintering grounds within a narrow margin of time
Hunting
Typically hunted with a 12 ga shotgun. Shot size #2-4 is sufficient. Effectively hunted with decoys and calling. Dogs are used for bird retrieval. Steel shot is required for waterfowl in the United States.
Conservation Status
Listed as Least Concern by IUCN.