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Nigel Key Bufflehead
(Slimbridge May 2014)
The Bufflehead is a small Sea Duck from the United States of America of the genus bucephala, the Goldeneyes.
The name Bufflehead is derived from a combination of Buffalo and Head due to the bulbous shape of its head, which can be even more pronounced when 'puffed' out by the male.
Buffleheads have evolved their small size in order to fit the nesting cavity of a woodpecker, the Northern Flicker.
| Hear the Bufflehead's Call:- |
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Conservation Status
Size
320mm to 400mm (13" to 16")
Appearance - Male
The male has an irridescent Black head and upper neck with a large White patch from the eye round to the back of the head creating a crest. The bill is Blue/Grey and the eyes are Brown. The upperparts are Black, lower neck and underparts are White. The legs and feet are Pink.
Appearance - Female
The female has a flatter Dark-Brown head with a narrow White patch below running behind the Brown eyes with a Dark Grey bill. The upperparts are Black/brown and the underparts are Grey/white. The legs and feet are Grey.
Habitat
Wooded Lakes, Ponds, Open Inland Waters and Coastal Waters.
Diet
Seeds, Aquatic Insects, Crustaceans and Molluscs.
Breeding Time
End of May to June
Eggs
Quantity: 6 to 11
Size: 52mm x 37mm
Colour: Cream to Pale Olive.
American Black Duck
