Bufflehead

Bucephala albeola

A pair of Bufflehead, male on the left, at Frazier's Aviaries

The original name of this duck was the "buffalo-head," due to the similarity of its head shape with that of a bull bison. These small diving ducks are related to the Goldeneyes. They are widespread across North America and winter as far south as northern Mexico.

The breeding male has a massive white spot dominating the rear of his high-domed head. Very active little ducks, they are constantly in motion and when they do choose to rest they prefer to do so on the water, rather than on land.

These are not very sociable ducks. Pair formation begins in the late winter. They are hole nesters, choosing trees not far from water.