Bufflehead - Bucephala albeola

Bufflehead -- South Dakota Birds

Length: 14-16 inches	Wingspan: 20-24 inches	Seasonality: Migrant
ID Keys: Large white patch on back of head, black back and remainder of head, white body

Bufflehead

Bucephala albeola

One of the smallest ducks found in the state, the Bufflehead can be distinguished by the male's large white patch on the back of its otherwise black head. Its small size allows it to use nest cavities of Flickers and other similarly sized cavities, giving it an ample supply of nesting locations.

Habitat: Prefers small ponds and lakes with surrounding woodland for breeding. Winters on small ponds, lakes, and rivers inland, also in shallow bays and estuaries along the coasts.

Diet: Primarily insects and insect larvae in the summer. Primarily crustaceans and mollusks in the winter. Also will occasionally eat plant material.

Nesting: June and July

Breeding Map: Breeding Bird Survey map

Song: Squeaky whistling and low grumbling.

Migrations: Summers primarily in Canada and Alaska. Winters along North American coasts, throughout much of the southern half of the U.S., and points south.

Birdhouses: Will use appropriately sized nest boxes near water.

Similar Species: Hooded Merganser

Status: Generally stable throughout it's range.

Further Information: 1) USGS Patuxent Bird Identification InfoCenter, Bufflehead

2) Cornell University's "All About Birds - Bufflehead"

3) eNature.com: Bufflehead

Photo Information: March 30th, 2003 -- Western Minnehaha County -- Terry L. Sohl

Additional Photos: Click here for additional higher-resolution photos of this species.

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