The bufflehead is a small sea duck of the genus Bucephala, the goldeneyes. It breeds in Alaska and Canada and migrates in winter to southern North America. This species was first described by Carl Linnaeus in his landmark 1758 10th edition of Systema Naturae as Anas albeola.
Region
North America
Typical Environment
Breeds across boreal and aspen parkland regions of Canada and Alaska, favoring small lakes and ponds near mixed woodland. In winter it moves to ice-free freshwater lakes, rivers, and coastal bays across the United States and northern Mexico. It is common along both the Atlantic and Pacific coasts, as well as on large inland reservoirs. Uses tree cavities for nesting but forages by diving in open water nearby.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2500 m
Climate Zone
Continental
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
The bufflehead is North America’s smallest diving duck, famous for the male’s striking white head patch that flashes in sunlight. It nests almost exclusively in old Northern Flicker woodpecker cavities near small forest ponds. Ducklings leap from the nest cavity within a day of hatching and are led to water by the female. In flight, their rapid wingbeats produce a distinctive whistling sound.
Male flying in California
Bucephala albeola - MHNT
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
fast direct flight with short rapid wingbeats and audible wing whistle
Social Behavior
Typically nests in single pairs around small forest ponds; often seasonally monogamous. The female nests in an abandoned woodpecker cavity, incubates, and leads the brood after hatching while the male departs early to molt. In winter, forms small, loose flocks that forage together in sheltered waters.
Migratory Pattern
Seasonal migrant
Song Description
Generally quiet; males give thin, squeaky whistles especially during courtship. Females produce soft, guttural quacks and growls; wingbeats create a distinctive whistling in flight.
Plumage
Male is crisp black-and-white with glossy iridescent head and a large white 'bonnet' patch; back dark, underparts white. Female and immatures are dusky brown-grey with a neat white oval cheek patch and paler underparts. Plumage is compact and sleek, aiding its quick dives.
Diet
Feeds by diving for aquatic insects, crustaceans, and mollusks; insect larvae are especially important on breeding grounds. Also takes small snails and amphipods in winter, and occasionally seeds and small amounts of aquatic vegetation. Diet shifts seasonally with availability, favoring invertebrates when abundant.
Preferred Environment
Forages in shallow zones of small lakes, beaver ponds, slow streams, and protected coastal bays and estuaries. Prefers clear water with submerged vegetation or rocky bottoms where prey is abundant, typically near wooded shorelines.
