Bufflehead

Buffleheads are cavity nesters, meaning they lay their eggs inside hollowed-out holes in trees, a behavior shared with other sea ducks like Wood Ducks. Because their bodies are small, they rely heavily on abandoned holes created by Northern Flickers and Pileated Woodpeckers, particularly in mature aspen or pine forests. This adaptation protects their eggs from ground predators common in northern North America.

The name "Bufflehead" is a combination of the words "buffalo" and "head," directly referencing the male duck's disproportionately large, bulbous head. This physical trait is further emphasized during courtship displays when the male puffs up his head feathers to attract a mate. The striking iridescent colors on the male's head also serve as a visual cue in this display.

Despite being one of the smallest sea ducks in North America, a fully grown Bufflehead has a wingspan of roughly 21 to 24 inches. Their compact size and relatively short wings require them to beat their wings very rapidly during flight, producing a distinct whistling sound. This swift, agile flight pattern makes them highly capable of dodging predators like the Peregrine Falcon.

During the winter months, Buffleheads migrate to the coastal waters of the Pacific and Atlantic oceans, as well as large inland lakes across the southern half of the United States. Protected coastal bays and estuaries in states like California, Florida, and the Carolinas are excellent places to spot them. They gather in small, tight-knit flocks on sheltered waters where they dive for crustaceans and mollusks.