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BUFFLEHEAD (Bucephala albeola)

©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:-
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.











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PHOTOGRAPHS

Bufflehead (WWT Slimbridge September 2015) - pic by Nigel Key Bufflehead (WWT Slimbridge May 2016) - pic by Nigel Key Bufflehead (WWT Slimbridge August 2016) - pic by Nigel Key
26/09/15 04/05/16 16/08/16
Bufflehead (WWT Slimbridge May 2015) - pic by Nigel Key Bufflehead (WWT Slimbridge June 2015) - pic by Nigel Key Bufflehead (WWT Slimbridge June 2015) - pic by Nigel Key
23/05/15 30/06/15 30/06/15
Bufflehead (WWT Slimbridge April 2015) - pic by Nigel Key Bufflehead (WWT Slimbridge April 2015) - pic by Nigel Key Bufflehead (WWT Slimbridge May 2015) - pic by Nigel Key
09/04/15 09/04/15 23/05/15
Bufflehead (WWT Slimbridge July 2014) - pic by Nigel Key Bufflehead (WWT Slimbridge July 2014) - pic by Nigel Key Bufflehead (WWT Slimbridge July 2014) - pic by Nigel Key
22/07/14 22/07/14 22/07/14
Bufflehead (WWT Slimbridge May 2014) - pic by Nigel Key Bufflehead (WWT Slimbridge May 2014) - pic by Nigel Key Bufflehead (WWT Slimbridge May 2014) - pic by Nigel Key
17/05/14 17/05/14 17/05/14
Photos copyright of ©Nigel Key
Click for larger image


Related Links:-


Sea Duck Identification - www.slim-bridge.co.uk


You can help to protect wetland habitats in the UK and around the World by becoming a member of the WWT, visit official WWT site for details.










LOCATION

Bufflehead
Breeding Habitat - North America
Alaska, Central and Southern Canada.
Winter Habitat or Migration Area
Winters in Southern Alaska, East coast of Canada, Pacific and Atlantic coasts of USA.


WWT Slimbridge Location - Bufflehead
North America Zone - WWT Slimbridge
© Nigel Key North America Zone (WWT Slimbridge September 2012)

The Bufflehead can be found in the North America Zone, along with the following wildfowl:-
American Black Duck
American Wigeon
American Wood Duck
Barrow's Goldeneye
Canada Goose
Canvasback
Hooded Merganser
Laysan Duck
Lesser Scaup
Ring-Necked Duck
Trumpeter Swan
Whistling Swan
North America Zone (WWT Slimbridge)


WWT Slimbridge Wildfowl (Listed Alphabetically)
A-B  | C-F  | G-L  | M-R  | S-Z
Wildfowl A to B
African Black Duck
African Pygmy Goose
American Black Duck
American Flamingo
American Wigeon
American Wood Duck
Andean Flamingo
Andean Goose
Argentinian Ruddy Duck
Ashy-Headed Goose
Australian Shelduck
Australian Shoveler
Australian Wood Duck
Baer's Pochard
Baikal Teal
Bar-Headed Goose
Barnacle Goose
Barrow's Goldeneye
Bean Goose
Bewick's Swan
Black-Bellied Whistling Duck
Black-Crowned Crane
Black-Headed Duck
Black-Necked Swan
Black Swan
Blue-Winged Goose
Blue-Winged Teal
Brazilian Teal
Brent Goose
Bronze-Winged Duck
Bufflehead