Fauna
Bird · GBIF taxon 2498329

Bufflehead

Bucephala albeola

Also known as Butterball, Spirit Duck, Buffalo-headed Duck

Buffleheads are North America's smallest diving ducks, instantly recognizable by their energetic foraging dives and rapid wingbeats. Breeding pairs nest almost exclusively in abandoned tree cavities carved out by northern flickers across boreal forests and aspen parklands. During winter, they gather on sheltered bays, estuaries, and inland lakes, taking flight directly from the water's surface without the running start required by many other diving ducks.

AquaticDivingMigratory
Bufflehead reference1 / 7
Licensed reference(c) Judy Gallagher, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & prey
  • Dragonfly Nymphs
  • Amphipods
  • Small Snails
Predators
  • Peregrine Falcon
  • Bald Eagle
  • Great Horned Owl
ThreatsLoss of mature nesting trees, degradation of wetland foraging grounds, and environmental contaminants
HabitatsBoreal forest lakes, aspen parklands, sheltered coastal bays, estuaries, and inland reservoirs
Life span12–18 years in the wild
Classification
  1. FamilyAnatidae
  2. SpeciesBucephala albeola
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
  • Viewing Timing: Look for them on calm bays and lakes early in the morning when diving activity peaks.
  • Binoculars Recommended: Scan open water using optics, as their buoyant bodies dive out of sight every 15 to 25 seconds.
  • Shoreline Distance: Keep a respectful distance along shorelines to avoid flushing flocks into unnecessary flight.
Related species
Help improve the field guideSomething wrong?

Report a name, category, or profile issue for review.

Checking your Fauna account…