Bucephala albeola
Buffleheads are small diving ducks widespread throughout North America.
Bufflehead behavior and facts
- The bufflehead's name is a combination of buffalo and head, due to the bulbous shape of the male's head when he puffs up the white feathers on the back of his head.
- Buffleheads are identified by the large white patch on the back of their iridescent green and purple heads.
- Buffleheads are highly active, diving almost continuously.Buffleheads feed in small groups, with one duck watching for predators while other ducks dive.
- Buffleheads eat insects, aquatic plants and small invertebrates.
From birth to death
- Buffleheads are small enough to nest in abandoned tree cavities made by woodpeckers.
- They are monogamous, and females return to the same nesting site year after year.
- Females lay a clutch of 6-11 eggs, and incubate them for an average of 30 days.
- Bufflehead ducklings leave the nest the day after they hatch and fledge at 50-55 days.
Status
IUCN Least concern
Buffleheads, the Oregon Zoo and you
The zoo's buffleheads live in the Cascade Stream and Pond aviary.
DID YOU KNOW?
Metro's voter-approved Natural Areas Program has protected more than 90 miles of rivers and streams in the Portland region. Find out how Metro is working to conserve and restore habitat for waterfowl and other wildlife.