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"
Photo Information: March 30th, 2003 -- Western Minnehaha County -- Terry L. Sohl
Additional Photos: Click here for additional higher-resolution photos of this species.
| South Dakota Status: Common migrant in the eastern part of the state, less common in the west. Uncommon in winter. |
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Please mail any comments/suggestions/additional links for this page to: Terry L. Sohl
This page was last edited on 02/03/08