- Courtesy of USFWS
- Male Bufflehead in breeding plumage
Buffleheads, migratory birds, are North America’s smallest diving duck. Although small in body size, the relatively large head of these ducks is the source of their common name which is derived from ‘buffalo head’. These very energetic, fast flying birds spend time in fresh, brackish, and salty waters.
Facts and Features
- Geographic Distribution
Breeding throughout Canada from central Alaska to western Quebec southward to Wyoming, Oregon, and northern California. Winter along coasts from Alaska southward to Mexico and from Nova Scotia southward to Florida, and inland throughout much of the southern half of the US including southeren California.
- Amazing Facts
The Bufflehead is one of the fastest waterfowl and can achieve flight speeds of up to 77 kph (48 mph) with its rapid wing beats.
- At the Aquarium
Buffleheads are illustrated on the mural wall of the Shorebird Sanctuary Ecosystem.